Two cafes in Birmingham served with closure orders - here’s why

Two cafes in Birmingham have been served with closure orders by police following repeated concerns about anti-social behaviour, including drug dealing.

West Midlands Police has secured closure orders for the Abyssinia Café and Champions Internet Café in Lozells.

The force received a number of complaints about the two cafes on Villa Road and boarded them up after successful applications at Birmingham Magistrates Court this month (March).

The orders are now in place at the Abyssinia Café and Champions Internet Café, which was boarded up on Monday (13 March). The closures will be in place until 1 June.

A statement from West Midlands Police, read: “On Tuesday, local officers informed nearby shops and businesses about what had happened and why, all were very supportive of the action taken, and in their words, they already believe the street is looking safer and cleaner.

“The Lozells and East Handsworth Neighbourhood Team have been working hard to secure the closure orders.”

“PC Danny Fulford, Neighbourhood Officer for Lozells and East Handsworth, said: “This was a really good result, directly responding to concerns from people in the community.

“It will come as a huge relief to local people whose lives have been blighted by the anti-social behaviour and crime which originates from these premises. The three-month closure orders will allow the community the space, protection and rest it needs from the harm, anti-social behaviour and disorder it faced daily.

“I would like to thank people who came forward with their concerns. If you are worried about anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood, please get in touch and let us know.”