Thames Valley Police obtain first Serious Violence Reduction Order

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, the first Serious Violence Reduction Order (SVRO) in the Thames Valley has been granted.

John Birshu, aged 34, of Middleton Road, Banbury, was sentenced to six months in prison at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday (27/6) after pleading guilty to one count of possession of a knife in a public place.

Birshu was also given a SVRO for one year, which will come into effect when he is released from prison.

A Serious Violence Reduction Order is a civil order that can be placed on someone who has been convicted of an offence that involved a bladed item or offensive weapon.

Someone who has an SVRO can be stopped in public spaces by the police, who do not need reasonable grounds, and searched to find out if they’re carrying a bladed item or offensive weapon.

At around 7.30pm on Tuesday 30 May, officers were called to Middleton Road following reports of a man seen with a knife.

Officers attended and searched Birshu, who admitted to have previously being in possession of a knife, and was subsequently arrested.

Birshu was charged on 31 May and pleaded guilty at Oxford Magistrates’ Court the following day.

More details on SVRO’s are available here - https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/st-s/stop-and-search/serious-violence-reduction-orders/

Investigating Officer PC Peter Hayward said: "Thames Valley Police takes knife crime extremely seriously and the carrying of knives will not be tolerated.  I hope this swift arrest, charge, conviction and sentencing shows that we will take robust action to deal with anyone involved in knife crime to keep our communities safe.”

Chief Inspector Jade Hewitt, Tactical Commander for Reducing Knife Crime, said: “Tackling serious violence and knife crime is a priority for Thames Valley Police. Knives ruin lives, tearing apart families and spreading fear in our communities, particularly with young people. 

“As one of four forces trialling these new powers, we welcome this - the first Serious Violence Reduction Order to be granted in the Thames Valley. These powers allow us to apply further pressure on those who have been involved in knife offences so that we can keep our communities safe. This should send a clear a message to those who think it is acceptable or necessary to carry a weapon that there are consequences.

“Our broader response to knife crime includes our work partners to increase education and early intervention initiatives to prevent young people being drawn into crime in the first place. Then, through proactive policing we target the hotspots for violence, increasing our presence through high visibility patrols, operations and proportionate use of powers such as Stop & Search. When we make arrests, we ensure there are robust criminal justice processes that put the offender before the courts to receive a swift outcome.”