Vulnerable person in Gloucester protected by closure order

Police have secured a partial closure order at a home in Matson, to help protect a vulnerable person living there from being exploited.

The order, which was secured by Gloucester Neighbourhood Policing Team with support from Solace, prevents anyone other than the current occupant from entering the property. Anybody who does enter faces being arrested.

It comes after reports that people were engaging in anti-social behaviour and drug use at the house.

The current occupier is the only person legally allowed to be inside the property, with the exception of emergency services and council workers.

The partial closure order was granted on Wednesday 16 November at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court.

Sergeant Martyn Murawa, from Gloucester Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This closure order has been put in place as a way for us to protect a vulnerable member of the community from being exploited.

“We believe that everyone has a right to feel safe in their own home and we hope this sends the message to those who would prey upon others’ vulnerabilities that we will take action in order to protect them.”

Solace Officer Matt Roberts said: “This closure order offers the resident of the property protection and relief from those who would take advantage of others. Hopefully this breathing room will help them to enjoy a measure of respite over the Christmas period.”

If you have any concerns for a neighbour, you can contact your neighbourhood policing team through Gloucestershire Constabulary’s website: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/contacting-a-member-of-staff-or-team/

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk