*
Although incidents where a knife has been used decreased between June 2021
and June 2022 (down 6%), we’ve seen a 48% rise in the number of crimes
where someone has been in possession of a knife during the same period.
In particular, we’ve seen a rise in these incidents in Swindon town centre
and we know this is causing significant concern within our Swindon
communities.
On Saturday (28/10), a 14-year-old boy was stabbed close to the Link Centre
in Swindon and he remains in a serious condition in hospital. Following our
enquiries, we have arrested three teenagers in connection with this
incident.
Swindon commander Superintendent Phil Staynings said: “We are acutely aware
of the impact these crimes have on our communities and the ages of those
involved are shocking.
“We are utilising every available resource within our organisation to
tackle this issue – including our community officers, dedicated proactive
staff and colleagues within our firearms unit.
“We are also fully engaged with our partners – including Swindon Borough
Council to develop our approach to early intervention and dissuade children
from criminality.
“We’ve made use of criminal and civil orders to manage threat and risk – we
have successfully applied for closure orders, injunctions and criminal
behaviour orders and these have had huge impact in reducing threat and risk
locally.
“But, it is clear that we need to do more to combat this issue.”
One option considered each time there is a stabbing, is the use of a
Section 60 order. A Section 60 allows police officers to stop and search
people even if they don’t have suspicions about them.
A Section 60 order can be put in place for up to 24 hours (but can be
extended for a further 24hrs) and is limited to a specific area or group of
streets. You can read more about Section 60 orders here
.
Supt Staynings said: “My officers will use every tactic available to them
to reduce the number of stabbings on our streets but we cannot do this
alone. My staff are fully committed in bringing those that perpetrate such
crimes to justice, however alongside the work of my staff, we need
intelligence and information from our communities to build up an accurate
picture in order that we can tackle these issues effectively. We need
communities to pull together and support the police in giving evidence for
those who perpetrate such crimes.
“I would urge anyone with any information to contact us on 999 or via
Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.”
*
Although incidents where a knife has been used decreased between June 2021
and June 2022 (down 6%), we’ve seen a 48% rise in the number of crimes
where someone has been in possession of a knife during the same period.
In particular, we’ve seen a rise in these incidents in Swindon town centre
and we know this is causing significant concern within our Swindon
communities.
On Saturday (28/10), a 14-year-old boy was stabbed close to the Link Centre
in Swindon and he remains in a serious condition in hospital. Following our
enquiries, we have arrested three teenagers in connection with this
incident.
Swindon commander Superintendent Phil Staynings said: “We are acutely aware
of the impact these crimes have on our communities and the ages of those
involved are shocking.
“We are utilising every available resource within our organisation to
tackle this issue – including our community officers, dedicated proactive
staff and colleagues within our firearms unit.
“We are also fully engaged with our partners – including Swindon Borough
Council to develop our approach to early intervention and dissuade children
from criminality.
“We’ve made use of criminal and civil orders to manage threat and risk – we
have successfully applied for closure orders, injunctions and criminal
behaviour orders and these have had huge impact in reducing threat and risk
locally.
“But, it is clear that we need to do more to combat this issue.”
One option considered each time there is a stabbing, is the use of a
Section 60 order. A Section 60 allows police officers to stop and search
people even if they don’t have suspicions about them.
A Section 60 order can be put in place for up to 24 hours (but can be
extended for a further 24hrs) and is limited to a specific area or group of
streets. You can read more about Section 60 orders here
.
Supt Staynings said: “My officers will use every tactic available to them
to reduce the number of stabbings on our streets but we cannot do this
alone. My staff are fully committed in bringing those that perpetrate such
crimes to justice, however alongside the work of my staff, we need
intelligence and information from our communities to build up an accurate
picture in order that we can tackle these issues effectively. We need
communities to pull together and support the police in giving evidence for
those who perpetrate such crimes.
“I would urge anyone with any information to contact us on 999 or via
Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.”
*
More news from Swindon
