Police disrupt drug supply in Torquay after securing a closure order

A property reported to have been selling drugs in Torquay has received a closure order, providing relief to local residents and disrupting the sale of drugs in the community.

On Wednesday 19 March, Devon & Cornwall Police served a full closure order on a property on Barton Road [Torquay].

The aim of closure orders are to prevent antisocial behaviour and crime from taking place. This order will prevent anyone from entering the address for three months, including the owner. Individuals who do not follow this order can face criminal prosecution.

“The activity that took place at this property had had a devastating impact on the wellbeing of local residents” said PC Hill. “We received reports of people regularly visiting the address at all hours of the day to buy drugs. They would then proceed to take the drugs in a nearby alley ways and bin stores.

“This was a constant pattern of behaviour in and around the address. Seeing people who are under the influence of drugs can be intimidating, and it had caused local residents to feel worried in their own neighbourhood.

“Our team will always engage with individuals in an effort to disrupt the negative behaviour before going down the route of securing a closure order, but despite call ins to the address and targeted police activity, there was no change.”

Machaela O’Brien, dedicated antisocial behaviour Legal Advisor, commented on the importance of securing this closure order: “Residents should not have to live in fear in their own homes as a result of antisocial behaviour. The property is also located on a busy road and nearby a primary school, so the footpaths around this property are regularly used by parents, carers and children.”

A Misuse of Drugs Act warrant had previously been carried out at the address in January 2025. During the search, £600 of heroin was seized. An investigation into the supply of drugs is currently ongoing.

The owner and tenants affected by the closure order have been signposted to partner agencies while the order is in place and intervention is ongoing to ensure future safeguarding and crime prevention.

“We know this is only a temporary measure, but I’d like to reassure local people that the work doesn’t stop here. Police officers will continue to work in the local area to address the long-term issues, disrupting and preventing further offending from taking place,” added Machaela.

“Thank you those who reported this issue to us – I hope this shows that we are listening and that we do take your reports seriously. The information you provide us is invaluable. If you don’t tell us, then please don’t assume we know.”

The Force's dedicated antisocial behaviour legal team and local neighbourhood police officers have secured a total of three closure orders since the beginning of March 2025. This work has seen an improvement on the wellbeing of residents through disrupting antisocial behaviour and criminal activity from happening on the doorstep of communities.

If you are experiencing similar issues or antisocial behaviour in your area, or would like to raise concerns with the police, please report them on our website. If a crime is taking place, call 999.

If you have been affected by crime, please visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system. You can also call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 4759