CALLOUS gang members who targeted three vulnerable tenants’ properties on a single street to run their criminal enterprise have been told their behaviour will not be tolerated - after authorities secured a court order to protect residents.

The Chronicle can reveal Burrows Grove in Wombwell was the subject of a hearing at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court this week, following a joint bid from South Yorkshire Police and Barnsley Council which sought three separate ‘closure orders’.

The move - which was granted - makes use of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act and allows only the respective occupants and authorised people to be present.

Investigating officers said criminal exploitation had occurred and so-called cuckooing - a form of exploitation where easy-to-coax people are targeted so their homes can be taken over as bases for drug dealing - was identified on the street.

Investigators in charge of the case say organised criminals target people who are lonely, isolated, or have addiction issues and that it was common for gangs to use a property for a short amount of time, moving between addresses frequently to reduce the chance of being caught.

Matt O’Neill, executive director of place, told the Chronicle: “The partial closure orders were sought after partner agencies identified ongoing concerns at three properties in Burrows Grove, Wombwell, involving antisocial behaviour, criminal exploitation and the targeting of vulnerable tenants.

“Despite a range of interventions by Barnsley Council, South Yorkshire Police and Berneslai Homes, concerns remained that those living at the addresses were being exploited and that criminal activity was continuing.

“The orders have been granted to help protect vulnerable residents, disrupt criminal behaviour and provide reassurance to the wider community, while support agencies continue to work with those affected.”

The orders will be in place for an interim three-month period and, following the expiration, officers from both the council and police will then assess whether or not an extension is required.

Burrows Grove is one of six active streets where closure orders are in place, the Chronicle understands.

Superintendent Mark James added: “It’s about the hidden harm aspect and so it’s our job to look after the vulnerable people who are being exploited.

“Barnsley has, in my opinion, the best, most embedded structure for dealing with cuckooing.

“It’s a key part of how well the partnership structure - whether that’s with the council or housing companies - can work.

“We have seen the rise of the issue of cuckooing over the last few years in terms of organised crime gangs and how they attempt to hijack vulnerable people in the community.

“They target their locations and their houses and it’s an issue that we continually look at, it’s on officers’ radars all the time.

“We’ve looked at 11 addresses and discounted some, but six are active and we’re working alongside multiple agencies in relation to it.

“Often the occupants are vulnerable and organised criminals see that as an easy way in they befriend the victims, gain trust and take over the property, effectively.

“Given the victims’ vulnerabilities, they often don’t even see themselves as a victim.

“We’re keen to disrupt organised criminality but it’s very much a multi-layered approach.

“If you notice unusual activity at a property in your area such as frequent visitors, antisocial behaviour, or signs of drug use please report it using 101.

“This information can help protect vulnerable residents and keep our communities safe.”