Kent Police shut down nuisance flat after waves of local complaints
Flat in The Grove closed for 3 months over anti-social chaos
Kent Police secured a serious win against neighbourhood havoc by applying for a closure order at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 4 November 2022. The target? A trouble-hit flat in The Grove that had residents up in arms.
No entry for 3 months – break the ban and face jail
The order bans anyone from entering the property for a full three months. Ignoring it means a fine – or worse – up to 51 weeks behind bars.
Tenants evicted after repeated warnings
Officers made sure the association-owned flat was empty and nailed shut to keep out unwanted visitors. A bold sign now warns it’s a criminal offence to enter.
PC Jo Hammond, Gravesend Community Safety Unit, said: “We received multiple complaints over months about abuse from visitors, discarded hypodermic needles, and constant disturbances around this flat.
“Officers visited repeatedly and warned tenants to clean up their act, but they ignored the warnings. They’ve now been evicted and Tower Estates housing association has repossessed the property.”
Police take tough stance on anti-social behaviour
The closure order used powers from the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
PC Hammond added: “Persistent anti-social behaviour ruins lives and drags down the whole community’s quality of life. I hope this closure reassures people that such conduct won’t be tolerated.”
