A Section 60 Order has been put in place across parts of Watford from 7pm tonight (Wednesday 7 May) following a number of violent incidents in the area.
The order gives police officers additional stop and search powers and is set to remain in place until 7pm tomorrow evening (Thursday 8 May). It also allows police to request the removal of face coverings being worn to conceal someone’s identity.
The area covered by the order includes Watford Town Centre, the High Street, and parts of Rickmansworth Road.
Inspector Neil Canning said: “Members of the public can expect a visible police presence over the next 24 hours, following several incidents of criminality and violence.
“This Section 60 order will allow officers to stop and search people who are suspected of carrying weapons or planning any criminality. It will also be used to request the removal of face coverings being worn to conceal an individual’s identity. Non compliance can result in arrest.
“It’s important to note this is not meant to disrupt or inconvenience people going about their daily lives, but instead sends a clear message that we will not tolerate this behaviour in the town.”
The powers come under Sections 60 and 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
The order follows reports from members of the public on social media, with one person posting: “I was driving along the ring road this afternoon, near the Lower High Street Station and saw two teens/men attacking each other with Machetes! Watford is such a lovely place.”
Anyone with information can report it online at https://orlo.uk/htIM1, via the online web chat at https://orlo.uk/YW1rF, or by calling 101.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
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