Two TVs, several speakers and an XBOX: Noisy neighbours have equipment seized
Noisy tenants who were driving neighbours mad with blaring TVs and music have had their equipment seized by the council.
Cannock Chase Council said it investigated the property and noise was deemed excessive.
Warnings were given to the resident, who has not been named, back in January but the noise persisted and residents continued to complain.
Further investigations found the level of the noise was still too loud and police and council officers agreed and the person's noise was an example of 'statutory nuisance'.
The authority was able to obtain a warrant to enter the property from Cannock magistrates and took two flat screen televisions, a music centre, DVD player, Virgin Media box, an Xbox, several loudspeakers and a sound bar.
The equipment will be held by the council for at least 28 days and could be destroyed if the alleged offender is convicted of causing a nuisance.
The authority said taking what they said was a 'short, sharp shock' approach had brought similar offenders around the country 'to their senses'.
Cannock Chase District Council's environment cabinet member Councillor John Preece said: "Most people show consideration to their neighbours with regard to any noise they make.
"However, there are some individuals who don't show such consideration and, whilst the officers will try to persuade them to behave more responsibly, if they don't the council has a range of legal powers at its disposal.
"In this case, officers obtained a magistrates court warrant to seize the equipment being used to make the noise.
"I would assure residents suffering with noisy neighbours that Cannock Chase Council takes noise complaints seriously and will take the most appropriate action to deal with noise nuisance."
He said it was the second time this year similar investigations had resulted in equipment being seized.
A council spokeswoman said residents should be mindful of neighbours when listening to loud music or engaging in activities which could disrupt people.
The council also has at least one other application going through magistrates' courts to be heard over the next month
