Officers continue to increase patrols in Millbrook in response to serious violence

“We won’t hesitate to take further action against those intent on engaging in serious violence.”

Those are the words of Acting Inspector Rob Morant from Southampton West Neighbourhood Policing Team after Section 60 stop and search powers were implemented in Millbrook for 24 hours over the weekend of June 11 and 12.

The Section 60 was authorised in response to a report of a group of young people armed with weapons damaging an address in Windermere Avenue and threatening the occupants at 9.30pm on Friday 10 June.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article in a public place and possession of a class B substance, and has been released on bail until July 8 while our enquiries continue.

A mini Samurai sword was recovered during the investigation.
Section 60 is an emergency power which allows officers to stop and search anyone in a designated location, without the restrictions of normal stop and search.

Section 60s are implemented in order to prevent serious violence from occurring, or in response to an incident of serious violence.

Eight people were stopped and searched over the weekend. No further weapons were found.

A/Insp Morant continued: “This level of violence and use of weapons in Southampton will not be tolerated.

“We are able to implement a Section 60 order at any time and we will use further powers if we need to in order to prevent this kind of disorder from happening.

“We are pleased that this Section 60 prevented any further serious violence from occurring in the area over weekend, however our work on this hasn’t stopped.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the public for their ongoing support in us taking this action and reassure you that we are increasing our patrols, and working hard with partners and wider support services to identify those who are repeatedly intent on causing harm.

“Publicising this operation not only allows us to tell the community what we are doing and why, but also prevents further of incidents of violence occurring in the first place and sends out a clear message to those carrying weapons that we won’t tolerate it in our city.

“You can always be confident to report concerns you have about serious violence or people carrying weapons. You are our eyes and ears in the community and we can only prevent and tackle these incidents with your support.

“Report to us by calling 101, or online at www.hampshire.police.uk.

“You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. But remember, in an emergency – if a crime is in the process of happening or there is likelihood of injury to someone or damage to property – ALWAYS call 999.”