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Operation Jupiter

Operation Jupiter is designed to tackle social and criminal problems associated with poorly managed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in North Somerset.

A joint partnership with Avon and Somerset Police it follows a report by the multi-agency North Somerset Responsible Authorities Group (RAG) in July 2004.

The document looked into concerns about the nature, quality and provision of drug and alcohol treatment, HMO accommodation and their impact on central Weston-super-Mare.

Carried out by members of the Police Intelligence Department, it produced a top 20 list of problematic properties which were all HMO.

Under Operation Jupiter our HMO Enforcement Officer and a police intelligence officer were then tasked to deal with these sites and enforce legislation on a zero tolerance level.

All the targeted properties are now visited regularly by these officers and colleagues from benefit fraud, the fire and rent services.

All breaches of housing legislation are dealt with using our available enforcement powers, in line with our Housing Enforcement Policy and the Cabinet Office Enforcement Concordat.

All breaches of criminal legislation are dealt with by the police using the full force of the law.

Annual reviews will be carried out with improved properties removed from the list and replaced with other identified properties.

For further information about Operation Jupiter please contact our HMO Enforcement Officer on 01934 426 741.