NOISY neighbours who refused to turn their music down have had electrical equipment seized from their homes in a series of raids.

Laptops, televisions, amplifiers and speakers were all taken from three different homes – one in Chedworth Drive, Warndon, Worcester, and another two in Redditch – following complaints that music was being played at excessive volumes, often at unsociable hours, which had caused considerable noise nuisance to other people.

The occupiers had ignored previous warnings and had failed to comply with the terms of noise abatement notices served upon them by Worcestershire Regulatory Services.

As a result, warrants were obtained to enter the three addresses.

Steve Jordan, head of Worcestershire Regulatory Services, said: “This action sends a clear and strong message that this service will act decisively in cases where excessive noise is causing misery to people in the community.

“The service will not hesitate to use the powers that it has at its disposal in order to achieve this aim.”

As a result of these raids, and the fact the occupiers had not taken notice of the warnings and notices served upon them, criminal prosecutions are being considered.

Anyone who is troubled by noise nuisance problems is asked to contact Worcestershire Regulatory Services on 01905 822799.

From the beginning of June 2010 the county and district council functions of Trading Standards, environmental health and licensing were combined into a single Worcestershire regulatory service.

The merger was carried out as a way to save cash-strapped councils money and the move resulted in a number of job losses.