House in Reading is 'closed' after repeated covid violations
Police issue a 'partial closure' order banning visitors
A house in south Reading has been closed to visitors after reports of persistent breaches of covid regulations.
Police have issued what's called 'a partial closure order' on the property in Ruston Close in Whitley, after regular reports of gatherings and anti-social behaviour.
Only those that live at the house can now enter and Police can arrest and prosecute anyone found there who doesn't live at the address.
The order was granted by Reading Magistrates’ Court and will last for three months.
Officers applied for the order against the house in Ruston Close following a number of reports of regular gatherings that were breaching COVID lockdown regulations and incidents of anti-social behaviour.
The closure order prohibits entry to all persons other than the occupant of the property. Any other person found inside the address will be arrested and prosecuted.
Neighbourhood officer PC Jonathan Bowness, based at Reading police station, said:
“This closure order was issued following repeated breaches of the coronavirus regulations. The behaviour of those involved was causing a significant impact on the local community and affecting their day to day lives. I hope this sends a clear message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.
“The majority of the local community are doing all they can to stay at home and protect others. This shows that we will take action against the few who choose to disregard the rules and put others in danger.”