A partial closure order has been approved for an address in Walcot, Swindon, in a bid to protect the occupants from criminal gangs.
The order, which will last three months and will prevent anyone from entering the property other than the occupant and her son, has been approved at Swindon Magistrates Court for an address in Ken Savage Close.
Anyone found entering the premises during this time period will be committing an offence and may be arrested.
Officers submitted an application for the address after it was identified that it had become a local hangout for a group of young people involved in criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, which was subsequently having a detrimental impact on the local residents.
Sgt Rich Fay said: “A closure order of this kind is an effective tool available to the police to help us protect vulnerable individuals from being exploited by criminals in their own home.
“In recent months, officers have been called to the address following various reports from local people about groups of youngsters acting in an anti-social manner and causing fear of escalating violence.
“We believe this closure order will have a significant positive impact on the quality of life for the occupants as well as residents in the immediate area.
“We will continue to conduct regular welfare checks at the address with the support of the local housing association to ensure the order is being adhered to and the welfare of the occupants is not being put at risk.”
