Persistent and escalating antisocial behaviour at a property in Troon has highlighted the crucial role of Cornwall Council’s Anti‑Social Behaviour Caseworker in safeguarding communities. Over several months, the Council’s ASB team worked tirelessly with police, local services and affected residents to gather evidence, support those impacted, and intervene with the tenants in an effort to prevent further disruption. Despite numerous attempts to resolve the situation through early intervention and support, the behaviour continued to worsen — leaving many neighbours feeling unsafe in their own homes.
Constant shouting, a steady stream of visitors at all hours, and rotting waste piling up outside the address had become routine, causing significant anxiety for nearby residents. Thanks to the persistence and coordinated approach led by the Council’s ASB caseworker, a full three‑month Closure Order has now been granted for the property, giving the community vital breathing space and restoring a sense of safety.
Reports had been steadily increasing and included suspected drug use inside the home, daily noise issues, and environmental concerns due to decomposing food and rubbish attracting pests.
Kay Smith commented:
“Property closures are only ever undertaken as a last resort after we have exhausted all other options to try and address the ASB linked to an address. We need to balance out the needs of the tenants with the other nearby residents’ right to a peaceful life, and in this case, this closure was the only option available to us. Prior to the court hearing, I liaised not only with the police but with other agencies within Cornwall Council, such as Housing and Adult Social Care to ensure that appropriate support is being offered to anyone affected by the closure. This has been a great example of joint partnership working between the agencies involved.”
PC James Tompson, neighbourhood beat manager for the area, said:
“All of this unsociable behaviour has been massively intimidating for the surrounding community.
They told us about how they felt unsafe in their own homes and how it was impacting their wellbeing, with some experiencing sleep deprivation. Our ongoing attempts to work with the tenants to put a stop this behaviour were sadly unsuccessful, so obtaining the closure order was the next step to safeguard the local community.”
Cornwall Council’s ASB team continues to work alongside police, Housing and Adult Social Care to ensure that both the affected community and the tenants receive the right support. Those living at the address have been linked into appropriate services while the order remains in place.
PC Tompson added:
“No one should ever be made to feel unsafe or worried where they live. I would urge anyone who is experiencing similar circumstances to report it to the police. Your information is vital – the more you tell us, the more we can do.”
The Closure Order, issued on 24 February, is the outcome of a joint investigation led by the Camborne Neighbourhood Policing Team and Cornwall Council’s ASB Officer, Kay Smith.
Reporting Antisocial Behaviour
If you are experiencing antisocial behaviour, please report it through:
- Devon & Cornwall Police website: www.devon-cornwall.police.uk
- Non‑emergency number: 101
- Emergency / crime in progress: 999