A teenager has been banned from Swindon after a knife crime crackdown by Wiltshire Police.

Appearing at Swindon Magistrates' Court yesterday, the 16-year-old who lives in a nearby village and can’t be named for legal reasons was served with a anti-social behaviour injunction (ASBI).

It follows the teenager’s involvement with gang violence and knife crime, with offences including robbery and aggravated burglary in the town.

The ASBI prevents the teen from entering the borough of Swindon at all times unless there is a valid reason as specified by the court. 

If he breaks the injunction the teenager will be arrested.

It comes after police launched Operation Sceptre, which aims to make people aware of knife crime as well as reducing incidents on Wiltshire’s streets.

Sgt Tristan Winter said: “We welcome this injunction which will prevent this particular person from entering Swindon where he has been involved in knife crime and anti-social behaviour.

“The Op Sceptre knife crime awareness campaign of last week (May 16-22) highlights the dangers of individuals carrying knives as well as the laws around bladed weapons.  Yesterday’s injunction is part of our ongoing work where we want to prevent young people, in particular, from carrying knives.

“This is about protecting them and those around them as well as preventing serious crime."