Dozens of closure orders issued as police target anti-social behaviour in Torbay

Shops, businesses and a hotel across Devon were shut down in 2025 during a long-term crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Homes were also hit with long closure orders in a bid to free neighbours from the misery of violence, drug-taking and verbal abuse.

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said in an end-of-year round-up: “Anti-social behaviour is a scourge on our society. I would urge people to keep reporting incidents to police as they do listen – and they will take action.”

Police operations across the county – carried out with the support of councils, trading standards officers and other agencies – during 2025 included:

Newton Abbot – A three-month closure order on a property to disrupt anti-social behaviour and suspected drug taking and dealing around the clock. As well as instances of violence and verbal abuse towards local residents, there were also reports of unsecured dogs running out of the address onto the road, and vehicles linked to the address causing access issues for other residents. 

Torquay – The first closure order for a hotel was issued in Torquay in October. The Sherwood Hotel in Belgrave Road had stopped taking paying guests several months previously and the building had fallen into a state of disrepair.  It had become an eyesore and a magnet for people intent on causing anti-social behaviour. There were also allegations of a sexual assault. No incidents have been reported to police since. 

Other successes in the town included the closure of a house where police found £30,000 worth of heroin stored. A three-month closure order was issued after reports of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

Exeter – In November police and trading standards served a three-month closure order on the Mini Market in Cowick Street. Police said the shop’s proprietor had ignored repeated warnings, continuing to sell illegal tobacco worth more than £11,000, which was seized during five separate raids. Officers reported multiple attempts to flee with illicit goods. 

Kingsteignton – Three-month closure orders were granted on two properties following reports of suspected drug misuse, anti-social behaviour, violence and general disorder inside and outside both properties. One was served with a partial closure order, allowing only named residents to enter the property. The other received a full closure order, preventing anyone from entering the property. 

Paignton – A business in the town was closed to protect people from potential exploitation or coercive practice. The three-month order was granted after police became aware the premises were not being used for legitimate purposes. Neighbours were affected by the behaviour of those working there, as well as their visitors. 

More than 50 full and partial closure orders and extensions have been issued across Exeter, Torquay and South Devon.

Ms Hernandez said: “ASB massively impacts hard-working, law-abiding people trying to go about their lives. Any behaviour that causes alarm, distress or has a detrimental impact on community safety will not be tolerated. That has been proven by how many closure orders have been issued in the past 14 months.   

“Those causing ASB often have complex needs so an important part of closure orders is that while holding offenders accountable for their actions, police work with partners, such as housing providers, to ensure vulnerable people receive the help they need.”

Ms Hernandez is an elected police commissioner, a role which the government has decided to abolish alongside its far-reaching reorganisation of local government. She says she fears scrapping the role will mean police will be less accountable to the public.

Among those who have expressed thanks to their local neighbourhood policing team for restoring peace was a Torquay resident who said: “Our road of lovely people are all feeling so happy and relaxed after what has been an unpleasant time. So, thank you all for securing our peace.”