Police have slapped a closure order on an address in Newtown after complaints about criminals "cuckooing" a vulnerable resident.

Dyfed Powys Police secured the order on Monday, June 7, following reports from members of the public concerning anti-social behaviour, drugs and crime centred at an address in the Edwards Field area of the town.

It marks the first time that the force has ever applied such an order in Montgomeryshire, and prevents anybody from visiting the site.

It also gives officers the power to enter the property and remove anyone found there.

Officers thanked members of the public for their help in reporting incidents, which led to the measures being imposed.

"People have been coming and going, doing drugs and antisocial behaviour and committing crime in the Edwards Field area and as a result the closure order prevents anyone from visiting that one particular address," said Inspector Jonathan Rees-Jones of Newtown Police.

"Certain people have been targeting a vulnerable individual and as a result of information received from the public we've been able to secure the closure order for three months, which prevents other persons from attending that location.

"There's been some good work from Newtown Neighbourhood Policing Team in response to particular concerns about this address and obviously we'd continue to encourage anyone to report these matters to the police.

"It gives police the power to enter the property, remove people and they can expect unlimited fines if they're found at the address."

Police say shortly following the imposition of the order they were called to attend an incident at the property, but no arrests were made, no individuals having been found at the address.

A closure order can be made for a maximum of three months where magistrates are satisfied that disorder, antisocial or criminal behaviour are likely to take place on the premises and that closure is necessary to prevent it. However, the police or local authority can apply, before expiry of the original term, for an extension up to a maximum of six months.

"There's a lot of work that goes into securing a closure order, it goes to a magistrate so they're not given out freely because of the impact on the human rights of the individual occupant," he added.

"It's having an effect straight away and we'd encourage people living in the area to report incidents as soon as they can."