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
Last updated 18th Jul 2024
Police tell us they remain 'committed' to tackling knife crime across Wiltshire - following a number of knife-related incidents over the past few weeks in the region.
Officers are going to be holding two separate community engagement events today (July 18) following the serious incidents in the area - including two in the space of a week in and around the Devizes region.
These events will be at:
- Devizes Market between 09:30 and 12:30
- Melksham Community Campus between 13:00 and 14:00
A/Superintendent James Brain and Inspector Chris Wickham will be at the event in Devizes Market, where residents can find out more about what the local policing team are doing to tackle knife crime in the community.
The event is part of the force's wider commitment to reducing violence across the county – a priority set by Chief Constable Catherine Roper when she joined the organisation last year.
A/Superintendent James Brain said: “Although these incidents are not linked we completely understand the concern they will no doubt have caused within the local community and we’ve had the mobile police unit in the town centre this week for anyone wishing to talk to officers and share their concerns
“Later this month, we’ll 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, to not only enforce but prevent and engage with communities about the dangers of carrying a knife.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson believes a joined up approach is vital to successfully combat violent crime:.
He said: "Whilst knife crime is rare in Devizes, it’s completely understandable that these two isolated incidents have caused concern amongst residents.
“It’s important for the public to know that there is a coherent and holistic plan to deal with knife crime across Wiltshire, which is why we have a Serious Violence Duty coordinator, Natasha Gell, in place to ensure all our partners are working effectively towards the same goal and making the best use of their resources.
“By being present at this event, the public will be able to talk to her about the strategies being implemented to prevent knife crime and how, through working together, we’ll be able to show how residents are safer and as a result, make them feel safer.”
A knife amnesty bin remains in place at the football ground on Green Lane enabling local people to dispose of unwanted weapons.
If you have information related to knife crime or concerns regarding somebody you know who you think may be carrying a knife, you are urged to get in touch with the force on 101 or via their website.
You can also call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.