Civil dispute clears up police call at shuttered Winchester takeaway
A reported criminal damage incident at the long-closed Oriental Star takeaway in Winchester was revealed to be a civil matter. Hampshire Police confirmed no further action after officers responded to the scene last week.
A police car responded to a reported incident at the shuttered Oriental Star Chinese takeaway on Andover Road in Winchester last Thursday, but officers quickly determined it was a civil dispute unrelated to crime.
The call, initially logged as suspected criminal damage, led officers to the boarded-up premises where two flats sit unused above the abandoned restaurant. Hampshire Police confirmed in a statement that after assessing the scene, they classified the matter as a civil issue and took no further action.
💡 Pro Tip
When responding to property-related calls, always verify ownership status and pending legal disputes before classifying incidents.
Oriental Star, once a fixture on Andover Road, closed months ago after receiving a failing food hygiene rating of one out of five in April 2024. A council inspection on April 3 cited "major improvement" needs, prompting immediate closure without public notice, leaving former customers unaware of the shutdown.
| Food Hygiene Rating | Oriental Star (2024) | City Average |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 1/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Status | Closed | Active |
The closure leaves the ground-floor unit vacant, though its faded signage remains intact, a reminder of the restaurant’s sudden disappearance from the city’s high street. Hampshire Constabulary has not disclosed the nature of the civil dispute, citing privacy concerns under ongoing legal proceedings.
Key Points
- ✅ Hampshire Police responded to a reported criminal damage call at the shuttered Oriental Star takeaway in Winchester on May 21 at 4:26 p.m.
- âš¡ The incident was reclassified as a civil matter with no crime suspected.
- 💡 Oriental Star closed in April 2024 after receiving a one-out-of-five food hygiene rating.
Neighboring businesses reported no unusual activity, and no arrests or further police action were taken. The location remains under the control of the property owner, who has not responded to requests for comment.
📋 By The Numbers
- 1/5 — Oriental Star’s food hygiene rating as of April 2024
- April 3, 2024 — Date of the city council inspection leading to closure
- Zero — Number of arrests or charges filed in connection with the incident
The case highlights the often-overlooked risks of shuttered businesses becoming focal points for unrelated disputes, even years after closure. Authorities urge the public to report suspicious activity using non-emergency channels when in doubt.