A court backed order has shut down a Middlesbrough property where reports of drugs, sex work and disorder left neighbours living in fear.
The hard work of officers from Middlesbrough Council, Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Police Team and Thirteen led to Teesside Magistrates' Court agreeing to the closure order at the property on Ammerston Road in Newport.
Reports of violence and abusive behaviour were common - with witnesses describing balaclava-clad troublemakers regularly shouting and banging on the door to get inside.
Cleveland Police and its partners argued a closure order was necessary to prevent the nuisance from continuing and escalating.
It will now prevent the tenants of the Thirteen-owned property from living at the address for a minimum of three months.
Marion Walker, Head of Stronger Communities at Middlesbrough Council, said: “The misery that residents living close to this property have had to deal with is completely unacceptable.
“People should not have to put up with crime and antisocial behaviour and I thank those who have reported their concerns, which allowed us to gather the evidence to secure this closure order.
“Alongside partners at Cleveland Police and Thirteen, we will always take action.”
Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Team PC Michelle Crinnion, said: “We are listening to our local communities and will continue to work together with our partners from the local authority and housing agencies to close down properties and remove problem tenants who have been causing misery for residents in the area.
“Behaviour like this will be acted upon, and wherever possible, there will be robust action taken whether that be criminal or civil.”
Thirteen’s director of operations Kay Glew said: "It’s our priority to ensure our customers feel safe in their home and within the community where they live. So, we won’t tolerate our homes being used for crime and anti-social behaviour.
“We’re pleased the closure order has been granted for one of Thirteen’s homes and we’ll continue to work in partnership with Middlesbrough Council and Cleveland Police to reduce antisocial behaviour and crime in our communities.”