Police remain ‘committed’ to tackling knife crime in Wiltshire

Officers are holding two events in the region today in their work to reassure the public

Police tell us they remain “committed” to tackling knife crime in Wiltshire – following a number of knife-related incidents in recent weeks in the region.

Officers will hold two separate community engagement events today (July 18) following serious incidents in the area – including two in the space of a week in and around the Devizes region.

These events will take place at:

• Devizes Market from 09:30 to 12:30
• Melksham Community Campus between 1pm and 2pm

A/Superintendent James Brain and Inspector Chris Wickham will be at the event in Devizes Square where residents can find out more about what the local policing team is doing to tackle knife crime in the community.

The event is part of the force’s wider commitment to reducing violence in the county – a priority set by Chief Constable Catherine Roper when she joined the organization last year.

Superintendent James Brain said: “Although these incidents are not related, we fully understand the concern they will no doubt have caused in the local community and we have had the police mobile unit in the town center this week for anyone who wants to talk. officers and share their concerns

“Later this month we will be hosting an event in the Market Place to share with the public the ongoing work to tackle knife crime.

“Knife crime can have a devastating impact on families and communities and we want to showcase our work, not only to enforce, but also to prevent and engage communities about the dangers of carrying a knife.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson believes a united approach is vital to successfully tackle violent crime:

He said: “Although knife crime is rare in Devizes, it is completely understandable that these two isolated incidents have caused concern among residents.

“It is important that the public know that there is a coherent and holistic plan to tackle knife crime in Wiltshire, which is why we have a Serious Violence Task Force Coordinator, Natasha Gell, to ensure that all our partners are working effectively in direction the same goal and make the best use of their resources.

“By attending this event, the public will be able to talk to her about the strategies implemented to prevent knife crime and how, by working together, we can show how residents are safer and, as a result, make them feel safer.”

A knife amnesty bin remains at the football ground on Green Lane, allowing local residents to dispose of unwanted weapons.

If you have information relating to knife crime or concerns about someone you know who you believe may have a knife, you are urged to contact the force on 101 or via their website.

You can also call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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