Sutton antisocial tenant becomes second to be locked out under new laws (From Your Local Guardian)

Sutton antisocial tenant becomes second to be locked out under new laws

4:31pm Friday 3rd July 2009 in

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A tenant who drove neighbours mad with antisocial behaviour returned home to find himself evicted as Sutton police became the second force in the country to make use of tough new powers.

The 57-year-old was locked out and his flat boarded up after neighbours' reports of suspected criminal damage, vandalism, graffiti, drinking, drug dealing and violence went too far.

Concerns were raised about the tenant’s behaviour, individuals and groups of people visiting the flat on the10th floor of Balaam House on the Collingwood Estate, Sutton.

The flat, which was secured with shutters, was closed last Thursday and will remain so for three months.

Police obtained an order from Sutton Magistrates Court to take the action under tough new powers brought in by former Home Secretary John Reid.

Anyone who enters will be in contravention of the order and is liable to a fine or jail, or both.

Inspector Chris Green, who is responsible for the Collingwood Estate area, said: “The individual concerned was given plenty of opportunities to change his ways.

“We have not seen any improvement in his behaviour, therefore we took action to support the local community.

“People involved in crime and ASB need to realise that they could lose their homes.”

Sutton Police and Sutton Housing Partnership took action on the property as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Supt Chas Bailey, of Sutton Police, said: “We are determined to use all the powers at our disposal to crackdown on anti-social behaviour which will not be tolerated in Sutton.

“I would like to see more of this type of action in the future.”

Susan Holbrook, head of community cohesion, at Sutton Housing Partnership, said: “This is only the second time in the country that these powers have been used against an individual who is disrupting a community by behaving in anti-social manner.

“The action taken today is an excellent example of the close working relationship we have with the police.”

What do you think of the new powers? Do you think they will make a difference? Leave your comment below.