Closure order against venue extended

A venue linked to suspected drug-dealing and other suspected criminal activity will remain closed for another three months after magistrates extended a closure order.

Investigations by officers with Northumbria Police’s Gateshead Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) led to warrants being executed at both Birtley Boxing Club, which is on Beaconsfield Terrace, and Birtley Gym and Fitness Centre, on Durham Road, in September last year. 

The warrants executed at the boxing club uncovered a haul of drugs and weapons, while at Birtley Gym and Fitness Centre officers’ searches found quantities of drugs as well as thousands of pounds in cash.

Officers had received reports of various incidents relating to both sites, including suspected drug-dealing, violent disorder and criminal damage.

In a hearing at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court in October, both sites were ordered to remain closed for three months.

And officers were back at the same court on Tuesday, January 9, where the closure order for Birtley Boxing Club was extended for another three months by magistrates.

Birtley Gym and Fitness Centre has been given permission to remain open with strict stipulations put in place around who can attend the premises in that time.

Anybody found to be in breach of the orders faces arrest and even a possible jail term.  

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We are extremely pleased that these orders have been approved by magistrates.

“Members of our communities should be aware that we will continue to closely monitor the area and should anyone be found to have breached the orders they will face serious repercussions which includes potential jail time.

“Our hope is that these orders act as a serious deterrent to others because when we do receive reports linked to suspected criminality, we will not hesitate to take action.

“By working with the community and our partners, we can continue to ensure this area remains a safe and pleasant place for everyone to live and work.”  

They added: “As a Force, we remain committed to tackling suspected serious and organised crime under the banner of Operation Sentinel in order to protect those who live in our communities.

“If anyone has information about such activity, please come forward and report it to us so that we can take the appropriate action.”

Councillor Angela Douglas, Chair of the Gateshead Community Safety Board, said: “The extension granted by magistrates reflect the seriousness of the suspected criminality and I hope this reassures our communities that activity of this nature won’t be tolerated in Gateshead.

“I would urge anyone with information or concerns about crime or disorder in their neighbourhoods to report what they know.

“We will continue to work with Northumbria Police to make sure these issues are tackled.”

Anyone who has concerns about suspected criminal activity in their community should use the ‘Report’ page of the Northumbria Police website or call 101.