Closure order granted for Swindon Oasis following increase in trespassing

A partial closure order has been granted for the Swindon Oasis following repeated trespass and anti-social behaviour.

The closure order, obtained at Swindon Magistrates Court, makes it an offence to enter the site unless you are named on the order and anyone caught illegally entering can be arrested. It comes after officers responded to two potential burglaries over the weekend at the site.

At around 4pm on Sunday (22/03) four teenagers were detained under Section 1 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and their details obtained. No offences were found to have been committed and they were released with no further action.

Then just after 5.30pm (22/03) three people were stopped and searched by officers after trying to enter the site. 

PC Jeremy Williams said, "We believe the majority of these reports involve people who are exploring and want to create content for social media.

"There are many reasons why buildings are abandoned. They could have unstable roofs, rotten flooring, exposed live wires, or asbestos which could all pose risk to those entering.

"If you do get an injury help can be difficult to summon, and rescue crews may be hesitant to enter unsafe environments."

The closure order on the Oasis has been granted for three months.

If you see someone entering an abandoned building call us on 101, or 999 in an emergency.