Closure Order and Criminal Behaviour Order to curb anti-social behaviour in Widnes

An address in Widnes which has been plagued by anti-social behaviour and drugs related offences has been closed for three months and its occupant handed a three year Criminal Behaviour Order.

On Thursday 1 July officers from Widnes LPU’s Appleton beat team and the problem solving team secured a closure order for the flat in Dean Close.

Officers applied for the orders which were granted by North Cheshire Magistrates’ after gathering a catalogue of evidence of repeated anti-social behaviour and drug related activity connected with the property.
Following the hearing Keiran Thomas-Bailey, 19, was removed from the property and the flat has been boarded up.

He is also subject to an three year Criminal Behaviour Order which bans him from inciting others to act in an anti-social manner that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more person not of the same household in the County of Cheshire.

He is not to be in company with named individuals on the order within the County of Cheshire and he is also not to be in company with a group of three or more including himself, other than immediate family members on Dean Close , Dean Street, Hibbert Street, Elliot Street, Gladstone Street and Dickson Close Widnes.

If Thomas-Bailey breaches this Criminal Behaviour Order, he risks going to prison.

Police Constable Chris Martin, from Widnes beat team, said: “This is a quiet close in the town centre which was plagued by Thomas-Bailey and his friends.

“Residents had to endure anti-social behaviour and drug related behaviour. The fear and intimidation made for a toxic environment for residents who were really suffering because of this.

“The local beat team and the problem solving team worked with residents, the housing association and local authority to compile enough evidence to make sure Thomas-Bailey was brought before the courts and relieve residents of their toxic nightmare.

“I hope this reassures residents who may be going through the same issues that our local beat teams are here to help you make your neighbourhood a happier and safer place. Please don’t suffer in silence, contact your local beat team.”

Over the next three months regular checks of the home will be conducted to ensure the closure order is not breached. If anyone is found to have breached the order they are liable to arrest and up to six months′ prison, or a £5,000 fine, or both.

Inspector Shaun Pyke added: “People should be able to live in their homes without having to endure this sort of behaviour and this closure order and Criminal Behaviour Order is another example of our commitment in targeting those who undermine our communities and bring misery to residents.

“This is an excellent result giving all residents respite from this toxic behaviour. I want to thank the local residents, local authority and housing associations for their support, and the officers for their great work and dedication in making our communities better places for residents.”

Anyone who is concerned about anti-social behaviour in their community is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 or provide the details via www.cheshire.police.uk/tua .

Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.