Oasis Leisure Centre to be used for police dog training as 'deterrent' to intruders
Officers say they are repurposing the site for the next few months at least
Last updated 16th Apr 2021
In an unexpected twist to the Oasis Leisure Centre saga, police have confirmed the premises are going to be used as a training venue for their dedicated dogs.
Wiltshire Police has told Greatest Hits Radio it's "thankful" to SevenCapital, the Oasis leaseholder, for accepting the Force's request to temporarily repurpose the North Star facility.
Local officers and the British Transport Police are hoping that their presence, alongside the animals, will deter anti-social behaviour on site.
According to police, the historic venue has been subject to several break-in attempts since November, when the firm running the Oasis at the time said it would not be re-opening the site after lockdown.
YouTube channel 'Kirbz Vids' posted footage in January, filmed at the Leisure Centre. It has since been watched more than 23,000 times online.
However, the urban explorers dispute any claims that they broke into the Oasis, claiming the door was "left open".
'A further deterrent to anyone unlawfully breaking and entering'
In a statement, SevenCapital said: "This agreement will provide a valuable and live-environment facility in which to train Police Dogs.
"We also hope this will act as a further deterrent to anyone considering unlawfully breaking and entering the premises again".
The training, which gets underway immediately, means there will be more ad-hoc patrols from officers at the Oasis.
It's expected that dogs will be drilled there during daytime and evenings until at least September.
A Wiltshire Police spokesperson added: “We are always seeking new training venues in which to train our dogs.
“If anyone is willing to offer their premises during the day or evening to be used to assist in the training of our Police dogs, please make contact on 101".