Police step up efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour in Barnstaple
Barnstaple Magistrates’ Court granted a closure order for a property on Victoria Road
Police in Barnstaple have secured a closure order and a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) this month as part of their ongoing efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour in North Devon.
On 18th November 2025, Barnstaple Magistrates’ Court granted a closure order for a property on Victoria Road in Barnstaple.
According to police, the property had become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour, causing ongoing issues for the community.
The closure order means it is an offence for anyone other than registered tenants, the landlord (and agents), and emergency services to enter the address for a three-month period.
Sergeant Chris Mannell, Neighbourhood Team Leader for Barnstaple town centre, said:
“The closure order will initially be in place for three months but, should issues persist, we will be able to apply to the Court for a further or extended order.
“My team will be monitoring the situation closely and will take action against anyone who chooses to breach the conditions which have been imposed.
“We would like to thank the community for their engagement and welcome continued reporting of any issues at this property through our published contact methods,” Mannell said.
Police say they are committed to tackling anti-social behaviour in Barnstaple and "will continue to take steps to secure court orders and use preventative powers to deal effectively with the behaviour of repeat offenders."
Earlier this month, a local man 60-year-old Paul Hector Willmore was arrested and charged with 15 offences of shoplifting, with three further offences taken into consideration.
He was refused bail and, following a court appearance on 10th November, sentenced to 26 months in prison.
After a further court appearance on November 19th, Willmore was made the subject of a fiver-year Criminal Behaviour Order to prevent any future offending on his release from prison.
Sgt Mannell said:
“Criminal Behaviour Orders are a powerful tool that will help to prevent Willmore from committing criminal offences or causing antisocial behaviour in our community.
“There are now eight individuals who are subject to Criminal Behaviour Orders in Barnstaple, with a further order at the application stage.
“I hope this sends a clear message to offenders that persistent offending will not be tolerated, and reassures our local community that we are committed to tackling the issues that affect them.”