York Magistrates issued a warrant for a stereo and CDs to be seized from a Council flat on Margaret Street in York on 6 February, following complaints about very loud music playing for hours at night.
Neighbours complained to the Council about the noise on 8 December 2025. With their help, officers monitored sound levels using recording devices and by visits to the home.
The music they heard included songs from the '80s and from David Bowie, and was played at anti-socially high volumes from midnight. Sometimes it went on repeat throughout the night and stopped neighbours sleeping. A warning letter was sent to the address on the day of the first complaint.
To stop the cause of the neighbours’ distress, officers secured a Noise Abatement Notice on 29 December 2025 which was issued to the tenant. This notice required them to stop the noise with immediate effect. The tenant was cautioned that not doing so would be a criminal offence.
Officers continued to monitor noise from the home, and found it was louder and carried on for longer than the notice allowed.
Because the Noise Abatement Notice had been broken, officers applied for a warrant to seize the equipment making the noise. The warrant was granted by York Magistrates Court.
On 6 February 2026, officers from the Council and North Yorkshire Police, went to the flat and seized the stereo and dozens of CDs. They will be used as evidence of the breach.
Councillor Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Community Safety and Housing, said:
Noise nuisance is anti-social and, as this case shows, we will work together with neighbours and the police to put a stop to it. Whether a tenant or a home owner, everyone should consider their behaviour, how it may affect their neighbours and act reasonably.
“When excessive noise doesn’t stop, we will serve noise abatement notices. They are a warning that if the noise does not stop, prosecution is possible which can also impact tenancies.”
Sergeant Charlotte Gregory, Community Safety Hub Sergeant, said:
North Yorkshire Police Officers attended the residential address with Council Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers to execute a warrant of entry following a breach of a Noise Abatement Notice.
“Anti-social behaviour by tenants comes in various forms and will not be tolerated, especially when it has detrimental effects on the local community. As a Community Safety Hub, we take a multi-agency approach and use a variety of powers to address poor behaviour.”
Concerns about noise levels should be reported here and the Council's new policy on tackling anti-social behaviour is here.
Late night noise nuisance can be reported to the Council’s Noise Patrol- which operates between 9pm and 2:30am on Friday and Saturday - by calling 01904 551555 or emailing neo@york.gov.uk.