Police have closed a property in Gateshead after residents complained about ongoing criminality and violence. The home on Staneway in the Leam Lane area has been boarded up, and nobody is allowed to enter for three months.
Residents describe fear and anxiety
One resident said repeated incidents linked to the address left them feeling scared, anxious, nervous and unsafe. They said living near the property had an impact on their enjoyment of their home, their sense of safety and their quality of life.
Another resident said they no longer feel the comfort and security they once associated with their home and local area. They said they lived with a persistent fear that innocent neighbours could become caught up in the disputes connected to the address.
Closure order enforced
Gateshead East Neighbourhood Policing team used civil legislation powers to serve a closure order on the address. On Wednesday, officers returned to the property and boarded it up, ensuring no one can gain access.
The closure order prevents anyone from entering the property, except the landlord and emergency services, for three months. Anyone who accesses the property unlawfully will be prosecuted, and the property will then be repossessed.
Police commitment to tackling the problem
Sergeant Elliott Richardson, of Gateshead East Neighbourhood Policing team at Northumbria Police, said: "The level of violence that people living in this street experienced, is something nobody should be putting up with and we’re committed to doing all we can to tackle the problem. No one should have to put up with anti-social behaviour and criminality on their doorstep.
"Thank you to the members of public who worked with us in reporting the issues linked to this address, and for their patience while we dealt with the problem. We wouldn't have been able to take action without the information you provided."
Anyone with information about suspected criminality in their local area is urged to contact Northumbria Police. They can send a direct message on social media, visit the live chat on the force's website, go to the 'Report' section of the website or call 101.
