POLICE have revealed a closure order on a house in Crewe followed the success of a new community initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Residents near the property in Richard Moon Street were plagued by problems and it was said dog muck was thrown over walls, while cannabis smoke was "filtering" into neighbouring homes.

Cars were also left damaged at the front of the house before police secured a closure order in the magistrates' court and shuttered up the premises in late January.

The action was part of a new community policing model adopted in Cheshire, which has seen a police officer and police community support officer (PCSO) assigned to a dedicated beat in a bid to build relationships within the community and to solve problems before they become more serious.

The work has been boosted by funding packages for each of the community areas, with £1,000 made available by the Police and Crime Commissioner using money seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

A Cheshire Police spokesperson said of the Crewe property: "The family has been located elsewhere and the residents have not experienced any issues since."

Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: "I'm pleased that despite the challenges we continue to face as a result of Covid-19 we've seen an increase in visible police activity in every area and our officers and staff continue to adapt to serve local residents in light of lockdown restrictions."

Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: "I want to send a really strong message to criminals that we have built a network of eyes and ears."