Closure Order issued at house in Birkenhead

We have secured a Closure Order of a house in Birkenhead following numerous reports of anti-social behaviour and criminality.

Wirral Magistrate’s Court issued the order on Thursday 15 February for the address: 29 Old Bidston Road.

We were able to secure the order following numerous incidents of anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, and criminal activity at the address.

A full Closure Order was granted for a period of three months under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 and is now in place until Wednesday 15 May 2024. 

The terms of the Closure Order prevent anyone from entering or living in the property. If anyone is found to be in the property, they are liable to be arrested.

Any breach of this Closure Order carries a potential prison sentence of six months and/or a fine of up to £5,000.

Sgt Pete Hanson, one of the officers from EVOLVE Wirral, said: “The anti-social behaviour and associated criminal activity occurring at this address has caused alarm and distress to neighbours over a continued period. We hope this closure order acts as reassurance to the community that Merseyside Police will not stand by and let them suffer in their own homes due to the behaviour of others.

“We also hope that this serves as a warning and deterrent to anyone who allows or partakes in activity at their address that damages the local community, and that Merseyside Police will actively take measures to prevent this behaviour and any further offences.

“If you experience any offences where you live, please come forward and speak to us when these issues affect you, for all of our benefit.”

The force is working closely with partners on the Home Office-backed Clear, Hold, Build strategy, known locally as EVOLVE, which has been introduced in areas blighted by organised crime to remove criminal gangs, prevent new ones moving into the void and then build the resilience of local communities against criminal activity.

Anyone with information about drug dealing or any other crimes in your area is asked to call Merseyside Police on 101, or via social media @MerPolCC. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use their online reporting form by visiting https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information