Police take measure after two incidents involving knives in the area

Wandsworth Police were temporarily given increased powers to stop and search in the Putney area after two knife related incidents.

They were granted Section 60 stop and search powers after a request was authorised by Inspector Shickle.

The order ran from 6.30pm on Thursday 23 January until 9.30am on Friday for the following wards: West Hill, Roehampton, West Putney, East Putney, Southfields, Wimbledon Park and Wimbledon Village

Wandsworth Police said, “This is in response to two incidents in the area where knives or sharply bladed or pointed articles were used and the authority is granted as it is believed to be necessary to prevent further occurrences.”

The police have not given further details of the two incidents which prompted the order to be given.

In September 2019, following a double stabbing at Putney Postal Delivery Office, a Section 60 order was granted in Putney, Wandsworth & neighbouring Richmond.

Authority can be given a senior police commander under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 which allows Police officers the power to stop and search individuals for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments. They may require the removal of certain items of clothing. Section 60 orders are often granted when police possess intelligence that there is a risk to the public from gang-related violence.

January 24, 2020