Occupiers of a home in Bristol who brought misery to their neighbours with destructive behaviour, violence and drug-related activity have been forcibly evicted from the property. The home in Inns Court Green, Knowle, will remain closed until mid-February 2025 and former occupiers returning to the property will be arrested.
A closure order was granted at Bristol Magistrates’ Court after a spate of serious disorder and anti-social behaviour. The successful application was made by Avon and Somerset Police’s Anti-Social Behaviour team, working closely with the neighbourhood policing team, as well as with Bristol City Council and the local community.
Examples of incidents at the property, used as evidence for the application and eviction of the household, included an incident in which someone had an unknown liquid sprayed into their face, reports of drug dealing, a successful drugs warrant carried out at the property and violent incidents as well as weapons being used to cause damage.
Segeant Joe Iles said: “We’ve worked closely with the local community to build a file of evidence, including powerful impact statements from residents about how this disruptive behaviour was impacting on their day-to-day lives.
“We always try to encourage those involved in anti-social behaviour to take up the support that’s available before resorting to such a significant step. But, despite our best efforts, the ongoing impact on residents compelled us to take this action.
“We hope this outcome will enable people living in the area to enjoy the peace they deserve, especially as we approach the festive period. This order means anyone who enters the property or its grounds during the specified time is committing a criminal offence and can be arrested.”
Councillor Stephen Williams, Chair of Bristol City Council’s Public Health and Communities Committee, said: “We know that anti-social behaviour impacts communities in many different ways. Residents who live in areas with high levels of anti-social behaviour know all too well that it can be a cause of great fear and anxiety for them and their community.
“I’m pleased to see these joint efforts with the police result in decisive action being taken to clamp down on anti-social behaviour in Filwood and other areas of the city. We will continue to work with the police and community leaders to ensure Bristol is a safe space for all residents, and clamp down on this type of destructive behaviour.”
Officers will be carrying out reassurance patrols in the area. If you see someone trying to gain access to the property, please call 999.
Avon and Somerset Police said: “For Anti-Social Behaviour Week this week (18–24 November), the overarching theme is Making Communities Safer. We want to send a strong message to the public that everybody has the right to feel safe where they live, and we all have a part to play.
“The quickest way of reporting anti-social behaviour and submitting evidence such as Ring doorbell footage, photographs, a chronological order of incidents, is via our web form.
“While you may not see an immediate response after filing a report, each and every one is valuable and helps us build an accurate intelligence picture. This enables our teams to effectively target resources in areas where they are most needed.
“We also encourage you to use the StreetSafe app to anonymously report safety concerns in public spaces: Report feeling unsafe in public spaces (StreetSafe) | Avon and Somerset Police. This tool is not for reporting crimes.”