Homes in Paignton become no-go zone as police take action to tackle nuisance behaviour.

Trouble-makers are banned from two residential addresses in Paignton following action from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team to stop anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Officers successfully obtained the two partial closure orders for homes in the town after recent hearings at Newton Abbot Magistrates Court. Police work in conjunction with the local dedicated ASB lawyer to achieve these results. 

Paignton Sector Inspector Pete Giesens said: “These results are part of our continued proactive approach to tackle anti-social behaviour and protect our communities. It takes partnership working, evidence gathering, and persistence from our officers to secure these orders. We rely on information from the public to help us take action and would like to thank the community for their support.”

A partial closure order is a legal power used to address properties linked to ongoing anti-social behaviour, crime, or disorder. It places restrictions on who can enter the address, helping to disrupt harmful activity while allowing lawful residents to remain in their homes, where appropriate.

The orders last for three months but may be extended. Breaching a closure order is a criminal offence and punishment can be a fine or a prison sentence.

Members of the public who are aware of a problem property in their area that is causing concern are urged to report it to police. The information helps officers build a bigger picture and take appropriate action.

Devon & Cornwall Police back national Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week which runs from 29 June to 5 July 2026 and recognises the impact of ASB on local communities.

Paignton is one of 15 locations across Devon and Cornwall identified as hotspots for ASB which have benefitted over the last two years from additional police foot patrols. Some areas have also employed street marshals or town centre officers to engage with the public.

The Home Office hotspot funding was secured by Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez and additional funds came from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

In the last 12 months there has been a 10.2% reduction in anti-social behaviour (ASB) incidents across Devon and Cornwall. This has been achieved by neighbourhood police teams working in collaboration with other partners such as local authorities and housing associations. 

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