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A property in Caneland Court, Waltham Abbey, which was the scene of a serious assault last month, has been closed down under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Closure order of up to 6 months
A joint operation between Epping Forest District Council’s Community Resilience team and Essex Police led to a Closure Order being made by Chelmsford Magistrates on Thursday (1 April).
The flat’s tenant had been ‘cuckooed’ and is now being safeguarded.
A Closure Order of up to six months can be granted to restrict all access and address disorderly, offensive or criminal behaviour, serious nuisance to the public or disorder near the premises.
Excellent example of teamwork
A Council spokesman said:
This is an excellent example of teamwork between our Community Resilience Team, police officers based at our Council Hub and the wider Essex Police force. A Closure Order allows us to quickly close premises being used, or likely to be used, to commit nuisance or disorder. We acted swiftly to get the order made and it has already been posted on the property. This action should address the concerns of local residents and bring peace to the area.”
Prevent further disturbance
Sgt Neil Ross, part of EFDC’s Community Safety team added:
Epping Forest District Council officers worked closely with the Community Safety Team, to secure the closure order. We understand the impact that visitors to this property have had on the local community and I now hope that this will prevent further disturbance to local residents.
*Cuckooing is where a criminal gang targets the home of a vulnerable person to use it for drug dealing – in the way the cuckoo bird invades other birds’ nests. Victims are often left with little choice but to cooperate.
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