The powers given to officers to impose closure orders on homes and business premises are insufficient, a senior police figure has said.

Thames Valley’s police and crime commissioner, Matthew Barber, has written to crime minister Sarah Jones requesting an official conversation about changes to the law.

A closure order is a court-approved document created by police or council officials that prevents anyone from entering a premises for up to 48 hours, usually put in place to stop nuisance or illegal activity.

The instruction demands immediate departure, with breach forming a criminal offence that can result in imprisonment.

The commissioner’s plan seeks to extend how long closure orders last to seven days and enable courts to shut down commercial premises permanently when they are linked to criminal activity.

The commissioner said he has long pushed for legal changes that would broaden police powers to issue closure orders.

Closure orders play a crucial role in interrupting criminal behaviour in our town and city centres, yet current powers are not strong enough.

With support from the shadow policing minister and members of the House of Lords, I submitted an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill designed to strengthen the abilities of police, local authorities and the courts to shut down criminal enterprises.

Unfortunately, this amendment was voted down by the government despite cross-party support, so I have written to the policing minister today to push for immediate introduction of stronger powers for police to tackle illegal activity and help legitimate businesses.

He added that he urges the minister to begin consultation on these changes as soon as possible.

This is about achieving more than temporary disruption. By strengthening police powers, we can tackle criminal conduct more effectively, breathe new life into our town and city centres and ensure local communities stay protected.

Ms Jones and the Home Office have been asked to respond.