A Leicestershire council has seized an Amazon Echo Dot along with speakers and a bass subwoofer from a home following persistent noise complaints.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council launched an investigation after neighbours reported disturbances emanating from the property in Cadle Street, Newbold Verdon.
Officers subsequently served a noise abatement notice requiring the occupier to cease “amplified music, amplified sound, shouting and banging”.
However, the resident failed to comply with the order, prompting further complaints from neighbours.
Council staff personally observed the ongoing disturbance and issued additional warnings, including threats of prosecution.
When the noise continued unabated, officials cautioned the homeowner that their equipment would be confiscated under warrant.
The resident still did not comply, leaving the council with no alternative but to apply for legal powers to remove the devices.
Leicester Magistrates’ Court approved the warrant application, granting officers the authority to enter the property and remove the offending equipment.
Council officials confirmed that one Amazon Echo Dot and a speaker set with bass subwoofer were taken from the premises.
The decision to seek a court order came only after the authority had exhausted all other options, with multiple formal notices having been disregarded by the occupier.
The items were seized from a home in Cadle Street
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Since the equipment was removed, the council reported that no additional breaches have been observed at the property.
Officials stated the occupier had “received suitable consequence by losing their equipment”, making further legal action unnecessary.
However, the council made clear any resumption of noise disturbances could still result in the resident facing charges.
A spokesman for Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council said: “The noise has now stopped, and further breaches may lead to prosecution”.
The authority emphasised enforcement action is determined by the level of disturbance caused rather than the specific devices involved, meaning any equipment used to create persistent nuisance could potentially be confiscated.
Residents living on Cadle Street told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the road is generally peaceful and they had not noticed any particular noise problems in recent months.
One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, described it as “one of the better streets” in the area, adding: “It’s generally a really quiet road with some nice people”.
Another resident, also speaking anonymously, called it a “content area” though noted occasional issues with youngsters cycling past with music playing.
The council spokesman urged people to be considerate of their neighbours and maintain reasonable noise levels, particularly during evening hours.
“If you can, we always advise residents try speaking to their neighbour first to sort things out informally… if that doesn’t work, report it to the council and we will investigate and take action where appropriate,” they added.