Hampshire Police secure first 'gang injunction' against 15 people
The group are banned from communication with each other either in person or over the phone
Last updated 28th Mar 2021
Hampshire Constabulary has secured gang injunctions against fifteen people as part of a partnership response to youth crime in Basingstoke.
It is the first time Hampshire Constabulary has applied to use a gang injunction.
Two injunctions were secured against five adults following a hearing at Portsmouth County Court.
23-year-old Timothy Banbury, of Salisbury Gardens, Basingstoke and 19-year-old Joseph Naisbitt, 19 of Priestly Road, Basingstoke both received full injunctions.
The Civil Injunctions, introduced in the Policing and Crime Act 2009, mean the police and local authorities can place preventative measures on the behaviour and activities of people involved in gangs and criminal activity.
Cameron Birch of London Road, Hook, Travine Farrell of Campsie Close, Basingstoke and Joshua Lennon of Portsmouth Way, Basingstoke, all 18-years-old, received interim injunctions.
Ten male teenagers, aged either 16 or 17, have also received injunctions.
The conditions of the orders for the group include not to associate or communicate with each other, either via phone, internet or any other electronic device.
Five of the group of 15 have been banned from owning or having more than one mobile phone or sim card.
For nine of the group, they have also been made subject to a number of conditions, relating to education, including a having 95 per cent attendance record.
They are also required to work with and attend meetings with social workers.
The full order will be in place for two years, if any of the group breaches the restrictions, they will be arrested and could receive a custodial sentence.
Officers from Basingstoke’s High Harm Team worked to build up evidence of the group’s behaviour in applying for the gang injunctions.
PREVENTING GANG RELATED ACTIVITY
Chief Inspector Matt Reeves, Basingstoke district commander, said: “The purpose of these injunctions are to prevent gang-related activity and to give these young people a chance to stop a pattern of reoffending.
“We have seen a number of gang-related robberies in the town in the past year, often carried out by groups of young people on lone males. Some of the offences have involved weapons.
“While we have investigated incidents as they have occurred, and arrested and charged those responsible, we have also been working closely with our partners in Youth Offending Team, education and Children’s Services to tackle the wider issue of youth crime in Basingstoke.
“On numerous occasions, we have attempted interventions with named subjects to try and prevent further reoffending.
“Tackling drug-related harm including violence is a priority, and we will not hesitate to use all powers at our disposal to stop those involved from harming others.”