Closure order secured against Coventry city centre car park

We have placed a closure order at the Belgrade Plaza car park in Coventry city centre today (Thursday), following reports of serious and ongoing antisocial behaviour.

The behaviour at the car park had been causing worry and disruption to local businesses, residents, and visitors over a number of months after the operator went into administration.

Reports of antisocial behaviour such as drug use, drug dealing, littering, trespassing, and street drinking were made to us.

A closure order is only ever used as a last resort. Before this, officers patrolled the car park, spoke with local businesses, offered support to the landowner, and kept detailed records of incidents.

We issued warnings, carried out enforcement activity, and increased foot and mobile patrols in the area to reassure residents and reduce risks.

When the issues continued, we obtained a court order to close the car park. This was carried out today (Thursday) by local officers.

Inspector Maria Perrin said: “We have worked tirelessly to deal with concerns at this car park over a number of months.

"By obtaining a closure order we are aiming to reduce drug use, trespassing and threatening behaviour in the car park. Antisocial behaviour has no place in our city centre.

"Thanks to the hard work of PC Sabina Gajdosova, our Dedicated Neighbourhood Officer, and Nina Thakhar from our Joint Legal Services department, we were able to build a strong case highlighting why this closure was necessary to protect the public.

"Your St Michael's neighbourhood team will continue to patrol around the Belgrade Plaza ensuring offenders are dealt with swiftly.

"If you spot any antisocial behaviour in or around the Belgrade Plaza car park, please report this into us."

Coventry Council are in the process of closing the slip road, from the Ring Road, down to the car park. Those parked will be able to retrieve their vehicles and exit the car park.

For more information about antisocial behaviour, visit our website: Report | West Midlands Police