VIDEO: Police shut down trouble hotspot house using new powers

A HOUSE in Maltby which was raided by police has formally sealed off after a closure order  was granted.

It is the first time the powers have been used in Rotherham and on a residential property.

Under the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2014 premises that are associated with persistent disorder or nuisance can be closed once an order is enforced.

At Rotherham Magistrates’ Court today an order to close the Grange Lane property in Maltby was granted.

The Advertiser joined police on Friday as they executed a drugs warrant at the house.

A 27-year-old man was charged with possession of cannabis and will appear before Rotherham Magistrates’ Court later this month.

A 44-year-old woman also received a caution for cannabis possession.

Sgt Peter Longthorn from the Wentworth Valley Safer Neighbourhood Area said: “This is great result for the local community and I hope they are reassured by the action we have taken this weekend.

“We will not tolerate antisocial behaviour or drug crime in Rotherham and will take whatever action we can to address these issues.”

Chief Supt Jason Harwin, district commander for Rotherham, said: “This case shows that we listen to our residents and, working alongside Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, have taken effective action to rid the area of individuals engaging in persistent antisocial behaviour and drug-related criminality.

“The new legislation offers us even greater opportunities to tackle these crimes and our work will continue to make Rotherham a safer place for our communities.”