A shop that ‘encouraged criminal activity’ in Wolverhampton city centre has been hit with a closure order. Police received ‘numerous complaints’ about Broad Express in Wulfruna Street, where alleged drug offending, anti-social behaviour and disorder was taking place.
Concerns about the illegal sale of tobacco and vapes to youngsters under the age of 18, had also been raised. Working alongside City of Wolverhampton Council’s trading standards and community safety teams, West Midlands Police applied for the order.
The closure order was granted at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on Friday, January 3. Insp Sophie Clement said it was hoped it would lead to an improvement in the area, which had had been “negatively impacted” by the recent goings-on.
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Insp Clement continued: “This property was a source of significant concern in the city centre. We always want to support our business community across the city but sometimes we need to stand up against premises that encourage criminal activity.
“After we received numerous complaints regarding anti-social behaviour, we worked closely with our partners, including the council’s trading standards and community safety teams, to take decisive action. We’re pleased to report that a closure order was successfully obtained through the courts. Our hope is that this closure will significantly improve the area around the shop, which had been negatively impacted by the anti-social behaviour originating from this property.”
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the council’s cabinet member for digital and community, said: “The Safer Wolverhampton Partnership is committed to creating a safe city where we take a zero-tolerance approach to crime including anti-social behaviour, and we very much welcome this closure order. I would encourage anyone else who is affected by anti-social behaviour to report it to the authorities.”
Anti-social behaviour can be reported to police via the live chat facility at www.west-midlands.police.uk or by calling 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.