Officers honoured after pioneering work led to UK’s biggest-ever closure order at Ashford block

Spelthorne’s Safer Neighbourhood Team applied for the country’s biggest-ever closure order last year after the property, an assisted living facility in Ashford, was plagued by issues.

Closure orders, which are granted by magistrates’ courts, are issued for specific addresses linked to persistent crime. The order means the address can be closed to either an individual or a group of people for a specified period of time. Those who disobey the order can be arrested.

At a ceremony held at Surrey Police’s Mount Browne headquarters in Guildford last week, the officers – and in particular, anti-social behaviour specialist Dan Burrell - were recognised for their achievement.

Their pioneering work to close a Stanwell brothel was also highlighted at the event, held during national Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week.

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, celebrated with the team after giving a speech to open the awards.

She said: “Spelthorne’s Safer Neighbourhood Team have been doing some amazing work to tackle anti-social behaviour.

“As well as the closure of the 16 properties in a single block, they are the first neighbourhood team in the country to shut down a brothel using sexual offences legislation. Victims who were being exploited were safeguarded immediately, and those living nearby were protected from further misery and harm.

“This team is redefining our understanding of how closure orders can be used to drive out anti-social behaviour from communities around Spelthorne.

“I’m absolutely delighted to celebrate their fantastic achievement.”

Spelthorne Borough Commander Matt Walton said: “I’m really proud of my team, who work so hard to make sure anti-social behaviour isn’t blighting the lives of residents in the borough.

“We’re also very lucky to have some fantastic partners who make our work possible.

“I’d like to thank Holly Abberley of A2 Dominion Housing, and Will Jack and Alex Lacey from Spelthorne Borough Council’s Community Safety Team, all of whom were also recognised with awards tonight.

“Without our partners, we wouldn’t have been able to get half of the results we’ve achieved for the community over the past few years.”