Here's why police officers issued closure order on Sunderland flat

The measures now put in place means that no-one except the tenant, the landlord and their agents, council officers or members of the emergency services can enter or remain at the premises. Anyone who does so unlawfully is liable to be arrested.

Police officers became aware of issues at the flat in Hendon Valley Court after reports from members of the public.

The new Safer Hendon Community Safety Hub – which is made up of Northumbria Police officers and Sunderland City Council staff – liaised to apply to the courts for a partial closure of the flat following numerous recent reports from residents in the area.

The application was supported by housing provider Gentoo and was approved at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Friday (December 19).

Inspector Jamie Southwell, of Northumbria Police’s Sunderland Area Command, said: “Nobody should have to put up with and anti-social behaviour on their doorstep and when we became aware of issues at this address we immediately began investigating.

“After compiling detailed evidence as to what we believed was going on we then put forward a comprehensive file to go before the courts.

“Thankfully, we have now secured an order which means that those living nearby should be able to enjoy hassle-free lives without having to worry about further incidents at the flat.

“This is a great example of partnership working with other agencies for the benefit of the communities we serve.

“Pooling our intelligence in this way through the Safer Hendon Community Safety Hub helps us to carry out joined up investigations meaning we can achieve results quicker and more effectively.

“Please continue to work with us by getting in touch if something is not quite right in your area so that we can take the appropriate action.”

Councillor Kelly Chequer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Safer Communities at Sunderland City Council, said: “Residents in Hendon have shown considerable patience while partners worked together to gather the evidence required to secure this partial closure order, and I would like to thank them for continuing to report their concerns.

“No-one should have to live with crime or anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhood and this action demonstrates that when concerns are raised, they are taken seriously and acted upon.

“This outcome was driven by the Safer Hendon Community Safety Hub, which has brought council services, the police and key partners together to deliver a coordinated and effective response.

“While the premises itself is privately rented, Gentoo has played an important supporting role as the housing provider for the wider block, working constructively with partners to address the wider impact on residents.

“The Safer Hendon Community Safety Hub is already making a real difference in Hendon by enabling swift decision-making, effective information sharing and proportionate enforcement action.

“We will continue to support residents and take firm action where necessary to protect communities and keep people safe.”

Geoff Hudson, Community Safety Officer at Gentoo, added: “Partnership working gets results. Together with Northumbria Police and Sunderland City Council, we’re protecting our customers and neighbourhoods by combining support with firm action where necessary.

“Through the Safer Hendon Community Safety Hub, we’ll continue to work closely to address concerns quickly and create safer communities for everyone.”

Anyone with information about suspected criminality can get in touch with Northumbria Police by sending a direct message on social media or via the report form on their website.

You can also call 101.