Community engagement session planned as part of commitment to tackling knife crime

Officers in Devizes remain committed to tackling knife crime following two serious incidents in the area in the past week.

A/Superintendent James Brain and Insp Chris Wickham will be hosting a community engagement session at Devizes Market later this month where residents can find out more about what the local policing team are doing to tackle knife crime in the community.

The event takes place between 9.30am and 11.30am on July 18.

The event is part of our wider commitment to reducing violence across the county – a priority set by Chief Constable Catherine Roper when she joined the organisation last year.

A/Supt 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, please get in touch.

Call us on 101, visit our website at www.wiltshire.police.uk or call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.