Teesside Magistrates' Court has granted a three-month Closure Order on a property at 37 Octavia Drive in Hartlepool following complaints of persistent criminal and anti-social behaviour. The order was approved on 7 July 2026 after the Hartlepool Community Safety Team presented evidence to the court.
The privately-rented semi-detached property is located on the Elwick Gardens development, close to a school and several businesses. The landlord supported the application for the closure.
What happened at the property
Since April 2026, the tenant and other occupants allowed criminal and anti-social behaviour to occur at the address. The court heard reports of Class A drug dealing, with numerous visitors arriving at the property throughout the day and night.
Occupants and visitors were observed arriving in vehicles believed to be uninsured and untaxed, being driven at excessive speeds. Off-road motorbikes were frequently seen visiting the address for short periods before leaving.
Visitors appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol were reported calling at the property on foot. Some were witnessed urinating in a nearby planted area.
The court also heard reports of fighting both inside and outside the property, involving weapons including hammers, baseball bats, a metal pole and broken bottles. Incidents of shouting and swearing caused significant distress to local residents.
Court ruling and costs
The Closure Order was granted as part of the national Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week. The court also awarded costs of £1,363.55.
Councillor Amanda Napper, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council's Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Committee, said: "The catalogue of criminal and anti-social behaviour linked to this property is completely unacceptable. Residents should not have to put up with drug dealing, violence, intimidation and disorder on their doorstep. This Closure Order demonstrates our determination to take robust action against those responsible for making life a misery for others."
Hartlepool Neighbourhood Inspector Adrian Dack said: "We have taken action as a result of our communities being plagued by antisocial behaviour and crime in relation to one particular tenant. This kind of behaviour won't be tolerated, and we will act upon information so that law-abiding citizens can live in peace. This closure order has meant that the tenant has now been removed and the property will remain closed for a period of at least three months."