Concerns for 'child sexual exploitation' and violence at dessert shop results in closure order
The premises will be closed for three months
A three-month closure order has been placed on a Huntingdon dessert shop following what police say are “concerns of child sexual exploitation and child criminal exploitation”.
Peterborough Magistrates’ Court issued the order closing Dessert Central in Oak Drive yesterday (June 13) following an application from Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Southern Neighbourhood Support Team.
A force spokesperson said: “The action came as a result of recent investigations and police activity in relation to county lines drug activity and organised criminality, including the sexual exploitation of young women and the supply of drugs and alcohol to others. It also follows frequent reports of anti-social behaviour and violence.”
A closure order was granted and the property will be closed for three months.
Detective Inspector Melissa Cunningham, who leads the Neighbourhood Support Team, commented: “Securing this closure is a fantastic step forward in dismantling organised crime groups and tackling serious and organised crime in our county.
“There were evidence-based concerns that, had this order not been made, there would likely be disorderly, offensive or criminal behaviour on the premises. In particular the sexual exploitation of young women and the supply of drugs and alcohol to others.”
The full closure order states the premises be closed in accordance with the Anti-Social Behaviour and Policing Act 2014. The force say that no-one is permitted to enter except the emergency services until September 12, 2024.
They also warn that if anyone is found on the premises unlawfully, they will “render themselves liable for arrest”.