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'Army' of police shut down crime boss 'Hotdog' Smith's house on illegal scrapyard as wife says she will be forced to live 'in a TENT'
'Army' of police shut down crime boss 'Hotdog' Smith's house on illegal scrapyard as wife says she will be forced to live 'in a TENT'

Daily Mail​

time12-07-2025

  • Daily Mail​

'Army' of police shut down crime boss 'Hotdog' Smith's house on illegal scrapyard as wife says she will be forced to live 'in a TENT'

A 'small army' of police surrounded and shut down a crime boss's illegal home and scrapyard this week as his wife sat by in despair in a move she says will force her to 'live in a tent'. Underworld figure Tommy 'Hotdog' Smith was jailed in 2019 for his role in a nationwide stolen goods and money laundering racket following a covert police operation. While he remains behind bars, Mr Smith's wife Mary was living in a detached eight-bedroom house built on a scrapyard they own in Great Harwood, East Lancashire. But on Monday morning around a dozen police vehicles and 20 uniformed cops descended upon the site on Meadow Street and locked it off, ending years of misery for fed up locals. The vast scrapyard to the back of the house had been at the centre of a growing row following repeated instances of antisocial behaviour, criminal activity and countless fires, prompting fury among nearby residents. Police said 'illegal activity' has been taking place at the sprawling yard, which is also home to a collection of static caravans and stables. One fire linked to the site burned for days and took firefighters 240 hours to put out. One local mum compared the police presence to a 'small army' and said: 'We all know who Tommy is. There has been all sorts going on down there for years, with lots of fires. Let's just say he is a bit of a character.' After a judge granted a closure order on the site, mother-of-four Mrs Smith complained that the order would effectively leave her and her family homeless. Her legal team argued that members of the Smith family should be allowed to live at the house, and that the fires were caused by tenants, according to Lancs Live. The 48-year-old told the court she and her 19-year-old daughter Indiana had purchased a 'two-man tent' and 'that is all', to which the judge asked: 'You have a £1.4million turnover and you are going to live in a tent?' Mrs Smith refuted this, telling Judge Guy Mathieson: 'I don't know what you are talking about, I don't own any business. Sir, I think you have got it wrong. 'My husband has been in jail for the past seven years, I haven't had any business for at least six years.' She argued she has even had to begin claiming benefits, however had not provided any paperwork to support this claim. Mrs Smith's appeal against the order was rejected during the hearing at Preston Crown Court. On Monday, when MailOnline visited the site, the mum was seen wearing a tracksuit, crouched on a kerb outside her home spending much of the time on her phone. When approached by MailOnline she said: 'Some members of the press have violated our personal information. I have no further comment to make.' Earlier in the day a burly man in a tracksuit, who was seen shadow boxing with pals, said to the Mail: 'Mary is not very happy which is no surprise. The newspapers will get nothing from me so why don't you just f*** off.' Officers boarded up the front door to the large detached house, which featured two Roman style stone lions at the entrance. The court order granted by Judge Mathieson prohibits anyone from entering or remaining on the Meadow Street site for three months from July 4 at the risk of arrest, imprisonment and or a fine. The notice reads: 'The owner/occupier will therefore have to find alternative accommodation.' A local councillor who asked not to be named said to the Mail: 'The closure order was the culmination of a long running saga at the scrap yard. 'There have been numerous fires and other issues over recent years. This is now a multi-agency matter involving the police, council, RSPCA and other bodies. 'Unfortunately this appears to be a criminal operation and there is a degree of fear and intimidation around these people. Individuals brave enough to have spoken out have been targeted in the past. Although he is in prison there are still some dangerous people involved.' The couple bought the site on Meadow Street for around £8,000 in 1996. A planning application to build a house on the site was approved in 2010. Smith was jailed for five years in 2017 after police seized a sawn-off shotgun while executing a warrant at his home. He was jailed for six and a half years in 2019 following a complex police operation into stolen goods and money laundering. Preston Crown Court heard how some of the stolen items were tagged under the account name 'Hot Dog Tom'. Mary Smith was jailed for 15 months as part of the same prosecution. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to handle stolen goods and money laundering. Detective Inspector Vinnie De Curtis, of Lancashire Police, said officers 'unearthed a widespread and deliberate conspiracy to steal machinery, vehicles and stock amounting to thousands of pounds' in 2017 linked to Tommy Smith and his associates. 'The audacity of those involved in stealing these items was staggering, with the goods often taken from within secure compounds before being sold on, or taken to auction,' he said. The Mail approached Lancashire Police for a comment on the activity which took place on Monday. A spokesperson said: 'We have served a closure order at an illegal waste site in Great Harwood. 'The order prevents anybody entering or remaining on land at The Oaks on Meadow Street for the next three months. 'Our officers went onto the site yesterday (7th July) with partners to serve the order and ensure it was fully complied with. There were no incidents of any note. 'The closure order was sought after numerous concerns were raised about illegal activity on the site, with significant impact being felt by the local community due to the illegal burning of waste. 'By working closely with partners, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Hyndburn Borough Council and the Environment Agency, we were able to take legal action.' The order, under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, was initially granted at Lancaster Magistrates' Court on 18th February. However, it was postponed after the respondent was granted leave to appeal. That appeal was heard by a Judge at Preston Crown Court on Friday and was refused. ACC Stasia Osiowy, of Lancashire Police said: 'I welcome the granting of this closure order which is the right outcome for a community which has been affected for a long period of time by illegal activity from a set of individuals who believe the law doesn't apply to them. 'I fully understand the frustration felt by local residents and businesses who were impacted by illegal activity sometimes on a daily basis. 'We have been working hard with our partners behind the scenes to bring a resolution to this issue, however we have not always been able to talk about it publicly. 'I hope the serving of this closure order today and our presence at the site yesterday reassures the public that where we identify criminal behaviour of any kind we will work with our partners to bring it to an end. 'The action is part of Op Centurion, which is county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour, led by Lancashire Constabulary and backed by the Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, delivering his Fighting Crime Plan priority of getting tough on anti-social behaviour, with the support of our partners.' Mr Grunshaw said: 'The closure of this site marks a significant and long overdue step forward for the local community. 'Residents have endured persistent anti-social behaviour, criminality, and disruption linked to this location and I commend the coordinated efforts of Lancashire Constabulary and our partners in taking decisive action. 'This outcome demonstrates the power of partnership and the importance of listening to residents' concerns, who have campaigned tirelessly for action. 'Tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan, and Operation Centurion is delivering real results by holding offenders to account and restoring confidence in our communities. 'I want to thank everyone involved in bringing this case to court and securing this outcome.

Great Harwood Scrapyard blighted by complaints ordered to close
Great Harwood Scrapyard blighted by complaints ordered to close

BBC News

time08-07-2025

  • BBC News

Great Harwood Scrapyard blighted by complaints ordered to close

A scrapyard has been temporarily shut down by police amid complaints about anti-social behaviour and nuisance Guy Mathieson granted a full closure order for the site on Meadow Street in Great Harwood, Lancashire, for three months including forcing its residents off the rejected an appeal by the owner of the the judge's decision Lancashire Police said it had moved in to secure the site, which has for many years been subject to complaints from the community. Previous enforcement orders at the site have failed to stop the unlawful activity including illegal waste collection and court order confirmed on Friday bans anyone from entering or remaining on the site for three months from 4 July at the risk of arrest, imprisonment or a Mary Smith argued in court the order would make her and her family homeless, the Local Democracy Reporting Service April 2020, Mrs Smith was declared bankrupt following a petition from Hyndburn Mathieson's closure order allows more than 100 officials from the police, council, RSPCA and Environment Agency to move in for a large scale operation to secure the site and prevent occupants from Smith has been approached for comment while Hyndburn Council declined to respond. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

Wife of crime boss ‘Hotdog' to ‘live in tent' when illegal scrap yard is shut down as she's kicked out of 8-bed home
Wife of crime boss ‘Hotdog' to ‘live in tent' when illegal scrap yard is shut down as she's kicked out of 8-bed home

The Sun

time05-07-2025

  • The Sun

Wife of crime boss ‘Hotdog' to ‘live in tent' when illegal scrap yard is shut down as she's kicked out of 8-bed home

THE wife of a crime boss has claimed she may have to live in a tent when she is evicted by authorities next week. Mary Smith, 48, and her husband Tommy 'Hotdog' Smith will be imminently booted from their eight bedroom detached house in Great Harwood, Lancashire. 2 2 The couple's site is also stacked with static caravans and stables for dozens of horses. Those occupying the land will be evicted after a court order was issued by Judge Guy Mathieson following a spate of criminality, including illegal waste collection and fires. In May, firefighters spent several days putting out raging fires outside the illegal scrapyard after illegal waste was dumped in the area. And following reports of a disturbance at the site on Bonfire Night in November, cops were attacked with fireworks as they attempted to defuse the issue. Mrs Smith's lawyers accepted the justification for the order, but argued the welfare of the couple's children and animal should be highlighted and argued for partial closure. This was swiftly rejected by Judge Mathieson. Mrs Smith alleged that tenants she had previously evicted were responsible for the fires and that she had no affiliation with them after Mr Smith was jailed seven years ago. Mrs Smith replied: "Me and my daughter Indiana have bought a tent, a two man tent. That is all." The judge asked: "You have a £1.4 million turnover and you are going to live in a tent?" Mrs Smith replied: "I don't know what you are talking about. I don't own any business. Sir, I think you have got it wrong. "My husband has been in jail for the past seven years, I haven't had any business for at least six years. "At the moment sir, I have had to sign on benefits." Mark Chester, representing Lancashire Constabulary, said there was a 'staggering' list of previous enforcement action going back 'years' to tackle issues on the site. He said: "None of these measures have had the necessary effect and what is very clear is that as soon as these orders lapse, the lucrative business of waste management continues. "This has been years of misery being heaped on local residents." He added that neighbours were unable to open their windows due to "putrid smells" coming from the site, with some suffering breathing difficulties. Judge Mathieson granted a full closure order meaning more than 100 officials from the police, council, RSPCA and Environment Agency will move in to secure the site and prevent occupants from access. He said: "The fact is, the occupants of this site have done nothing to address the reasons behind the closure order. They have, either directly or indirectly by letting their tenants, continue to commit nuisance and continue to operate a highly profitable business. "The only way to ensure the cessation of this is to grant a full closure order."

Work to start on Great Harwood leisure complex's £400,000 revamp
Work to start on Great Harwood leisure complex's £400,000 revamp

BBC News

time26-06-2025

  • General
  • BBC News

Work to start on Great Harwood leisure complex's £400,000 revamp

Initial work to transform a leisure complex in Lancashire will begin later this £400,000 project at Mercer Hall in Great Harwood will include asbestos assessments and the drawing up of technical designs to accommodate new flooring and furnishings in the main hall and front features of the renovation will be the reinstatement of the grand doors which lead into the hall, and the addition of a new dance community groups hope to be able to start using the hall from December. 'Historic building' Mercer Hall was built between 1913 and Council decided in 2022 to permanently close its swimming pool in favour of a new purpose-built £12m leisure centre at Wilson Playing Fields in new facility is due to open in Hall's gym will close when the new complex opens, the Local Democracy Reporting Service Council's deputy leader and leisure boss, Councillor Melissa Fisher, said Mercer Hall was a "much-loved community landmark".She said: "It's wonderful to know that these efforts will ensure the people of Great Harwood can continue enjoying this historic building for many years to come."Mercer Hall, on Queen Street, is named after scientist John Mercer, who came from the town and invented a treatment to improve the quality of cotton fabric. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.

Car 'deliberately reversed into house multiple times' - but reason is a mystery
Car 'deliberately reversed into house multiple times' - but reason is a mystery

Yahoo

time25-05-2025

  • Yahoo

Car 'deliberately reversed into house multiple times' - but reason is a mystery

A car was reversed 'multiple times' into a house - with the motive for the 'isolated incident' still a mystery. Police say 'substantial damage' was caused by a driver who backed a grey Nissan Juke into a house on Reed Avenue in Great Harwood, east Lancashire, deliberately. Officers were called out to the scene at 12.56am this morning (May 25), where the car remained. READ MORE: Woman, 26, died after falling down stairs during night out with friends READ MORE: 'I visited notorious strip where Jay Slater partied - what I saw disturbed me' A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: "When they arrived our officers found the Nissan had been driven a significant way into the living room of the property, causing substantial damage. "Thankfully there was nobody inside the property at the time." No one has been arrested so far and police are still working to understand the motivation for the attack. Enquiries are ongoing and patrols have been stepped up in the area. Detective Inspector Heather Martin, of East CID at Lancashire Police, said: 'I understand that neighbours will be shocked and concerned by this incident and I want to reassure the Great Harwood community that we have a dedicated team of officers assigned to this case who are determined to identify those involved and bring them to justice. "Residents will see officers in the area throughout the day carrying out enquiries. Feel free to approach them and pass on any information or concerns to them. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE "Any witnesses or anyone with CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage which captured the Nissan Juke in the area before or during the incident is asked to make contact with us. "Similarly, we want to hear from anyone with footage which captures anyone running from the area." Details can be passed on by Lancashire Police by emailing forcecontrolroom@ or calling 101, quoting log number 61 of May 25, 2025. --- For the latest stories and breaking news visit Get the latest headlines, features and analysis that matter to you by signing up to our various Manchester Evening News newsletters here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to stay up to date with the latest. Follow us on X @mennewsdesk for all the latest stories and updates on breaking incidents from across the region and beyond, as well as on our Facebook page here. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our newsdesk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it.

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