Stop and search powers granted in Millbrook

An incident involving a group of youths yesterday evening has sparked Police into taking further action.

The incident happened in Windermere Avenue, Millbrook, and police in the area now have extra stop and search powers. This falls under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act (1994).

These additional powers will be effective from 4pm today (11 June) through to 4pm tomorrow, although it can be extended. The area covered is highlighted on the map.

Section 60 can be implemented in areas where either serious violence has occurred, or where/when police believe serious violence is about to occur. It gives officers the power to stop and search anyone in a designated location, without the restrictions of normal stop and search.

Patrols across the area will be carried out and police will be able to stop and search anyone while the powers are in use.

Via social media, temporary Inspector Andy Thomas said;


“These are emergency powers and the threshold to implement them is very high, however we are using them to keep our communities safe.

This is not a long term solution to violent disorder, but this allows us to use all the powers at our disposal to respond to immediate concerns raised by the community. We know some people think telling you about the Section 60 inhibits our ability to catch those responsible, however it is just as important that we prevent incidents of serious violence occurring. We will deal with those offenders, but we also want to prevent them from committing crime in the first place.

If you are in the area and have any concerns, you can speak to any of our officers who will be on patrol throughout this evening and tomorrow.”