‘Shut up shop’ order to Peterborough convenience store confirmed by court

A convenience store in Lincoln Road, Peterborough has been temporarily closed by police following concerns around drug dealing, exploitation, and links to organised crime. Police carried out a warrant at Constanta Shop, 272 Lincoln Road, on Monday (22 July) where drugs and weapons were found, resulting in two men being arrested and a closure notice served on the store.

A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of possession of criminal property – namely cash, being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possession of a firearm – namely CS spray.

A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cannabis and possession of a firearm – namely CS spray.

Both have been released from police custody on bail to return to Thorpe Wood Police Station in Peterborough on 22 October.

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The application to fully close the store was heard at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday; however, it has been contested by the owners resulting in a further hearing which will be held on 7 August.

Until this time, the store will remain closed under the interim closure notice, banning anyone from entering except for the emergency services and the landlord.

Any breach of the order is a criminal offence which could result in imprisonment of up to three months, a fine, or both.

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Sergeant Paul Delmer of Cambridgeshire Police said: “This work has been carried out as part of ‘Alliance’ – our commitment to tackle organised criminality in the area and make it an all-round better place for the local community.

“Alliance uses a combination of targeted, high-visibility, police operations and covert policing tactics alongside activity and inputs from partners and residents to prevent organised crime groups from operating in the area.

“I hope this action demonstrates to the community that we are working hard to tackle the issues of drugs and exploitation and causing significant disruption to reduce criminal activity and the associated issues it attracts.”

Anyone with information about the order being breached should contact police online via the reporting form or webchat. Those without internet access should call 101.

Information about Alliance can be found on the force’s dedicated Alliance webpage.