Fortnightly update to the Police and Crime Commissioner - 21 June 2024

Dear Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson,

I begin this letter today with some significant operational successes from the last couple of weeks.

On the 14 June, Maurice Jones was convicted of murder and possession of a bladed article at Winchester Crown Court after stabbing Salisbury resident Tsvetomir Genov, in front of his sixteen-month-old son, in broad daylight in August 2023. This was a most horrendous and unprovoked attack, and I can only imagine the distress and anguish this has brought upon Mr. Genov’s family and young son. My thoughts remain with them all at this most difficult time. I would like to express my gratitude to witnesses and communities who supported our investigation and directly led to the arrest and charging of Maurice Jones. Violence is one of the key priorities for the Force – there is no place for it on our streets, or in our homes. I would like to thank my officers from the Major Crime Investigation Team for their diligence and work in ensuring a thorough investigation to bring this man to justice. Jones will be sentenced for his crime in July, and we continue to support Mr. Genov’s family with specialist trained officers.

Last week we also saw some successful results where officers targeted Organised Crime Groups (OCGs) across the county. The operation saw four people arrested, the seizure of 2.7kg of cocaine, approximately £72,000 in cash and assets valued at around £170,000. This was excellent work. Organised Crime causes significant harm across communities in the supply of drugs and other related acquisitive crime. It can often cross county borders, with intricate tactics and networks in place to commit crime, with communities also seeing an increase in anti-social behaviour and vandalism due to Organised Crime activity.

A further significant issue we see surrounding Organised Crime is ‘cuckooing’, where drug dealers target vulnerable people with the aim of using their home for the supply of drugs to the local community – out of sight from the public and from the police – and this has a devastating impact upon victims.  Last week we launched ‘Operation Trespass’, which targets those who cause this harm, and through this we will maximise the use of closure orders, conduct hot spot patrolling and provide advice and guidance for the public to help recognise the signs of cuckooing and have the confidence to report it. If our communities suspect a property is being ‘cuckooed’, they can call us on 101 or report it anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

To highlight further our focus to tackle drugs and related criminality, last week the five police forces in the Southwest region, alongside the respective Police and Crime Commissioners, the Southwest Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) and the charity Crimestoppers, ran ‘Operation Scorpion’. As you are aware, this is an operation where we work together to combine resources and place a 'Ring of Steel' across the region to make it an uninhabitable environment for drugs and criminal gangs. The focus for this operation was targeting drug dealers, proactive policing focus in high harm areas, denying criminals the use of the roads, and raising awareness about drug associated criminality and anti-social behaviour – with Neighbourhood Policing teams distributing leaflets across the county to increase the impact and awareness of this work. Early next week we will be updating the public on the results from this operation.

The Euros started last week, and it is truly heartening to see the camaraderie the football tournament is bringing, and the great opportunity it offers the country to celebrate together. However, notwithstanding this, the tournament also creates a number of risks for our communities where we have historically seen an associated increase in threat and harm in some areas.

• It is a sad reality that football tournaments can mean an increased risk of domestic abuse for many people in the UK. This is supported by crime reporting and investigation trends. There will be some people living in fear of violence or anger when out or in their home. During this period, we will be working even more closely with partners and support organisations to ensure that those who need our help can access it. I urge anyone who needs us to make contact – they will be supported. Equally, if people are worried that a partner or ex-partner poses a risk to them, or has a history of domestic abuse, they can apply for information about previous history of violence or abuse a person might have under Clare’s Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme). In addition, an application can be made about the current or ex-partner of a friend or relative if someone is worried they might be at risk.
• A further area I would like to highlight is in relation to alcohol related violence. Research shows that most incidents relating to alcohol related violence are caused by small conflicts - something as basic as an error in judgement, a spilled drink or a rude comment. As a result, Wiltshire, alongside other forces across the country, will be reinforcing the ‘Walk Away’ campaign, which aims to provide practical steps for people to de-escalate a heated situation. As we have seen with previous incidents in the county, that split second decision made in the heat of the moment can have devastating and lifelong impacts and change lives forever. I ask our communities to Walk Away from violence so we can keep individuals and communities safe, and so that the Euros can be the joyful event they are meant to be for all who wish to celebrate.
• Finally, I would like to remind our communities of the dangers of drink driving. Please do not put yourselves or others at risk by getting behind the wheel of a car when you have had a drink. The consequences can be devastating. Driving under the influence of alcohol or under the influence of drugs - prescription or illegal - impairs judgement and reaction times. Drink driving not only places the person driving at risk of harm, but those in the vehicle, other road users and pedestrians too.  I ask our communities to please plan ahead if they are going out to watch the football matches or other social events - find alternative transport or accommodation or take turns to be the designated driver. My officers will be conducting increased proactive patrols on our roads during the tournament period to target those motorists who disregard this advice and pose a risk to themselves and the lives of other road users. If someone is worried that a person is driving under the influence of drink or drugs, they should call 101 or make a report using the Wiltshire Police website.

Next week is National Response Policing Week of Action – a week of recognition to highlight the incredible work of our Response teams – whether that’s in our Crime and Communications Centre receiving 999 and 101 calls, or officers and staff attending incidents out in our communities. Our response teams are regularly the first point of contact for people in distress who need our support, and often their work involves complex and fast-paced issues and incidents. The role can be demanding and unpredictable and it is important that we highlight the tremendous efforts of response teams throughout the county in Keeping Wiltshire Safe. Over the coming week, we will be celebrating all those in response roles and thanking them for their efforts in their essential work.

Recently we have also celebrated Junior Good Citizen in Swindon, with events in Wiltshire planned in the coming weeks. Run every year by partner agencies working together, these incredible opportunities are designed to help equip young people with life skills and knowledge to deal with potentially challenging emergency situations, placing an emphasis on having fun while learning. I am very pleased to be attending an event next week in Wiltshire and I look forward to meeting the inspirational young people involved. As the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for Children and Young People, I am committed to ensuring that we do all we can to maximise the contribution and voice of young people to help shape policing, and feedback to us where we can improve our engagement with them. Earlier this year, I was delighted to launch the Girlguiding Wiltshire Police Challenge Badge to help increase the knowledge and awareness of the role of the police and wider community safety partners. I will later this year be seeking to launch the Scouting Wiltshire Police Challenge Badge and I very much look forward to updating you on this in due course.

In closing, I would like to reflect on a few events of particular note.

I am sure you were horrified, as was I, when earlier this week we responded to a report whereby orange paint had been sprayed on some of the stones at Stonehenge. This was a blatant act of criminality which has drawn national condemnation. We made two arrests relating to this incident, and our enquiries remain ongoing. We are working closely with English Heritage, and I wish to assure you, and our communities, that we are determined to bring those responsible to justice.

On Thursday we saw the celebration of the Summer Solstice, where people gathered together at Avebury and Stonehenge to observe this incredible moment. I was delighted to attend at Stonehenge - with other Chief Officer colleagues also attending across the two locations - and have the opportunity to speak with the public, and with my officers and staff who were there to help keep people safe. The event passed off respectfully, peacefully and was a beautiful occasion. I thank all of our communities, whether from the county or passing through, for attending and making this such a wonderful event.

Over the coming days, I am delighted to have been invited to attend the church service to mark the commencement of the Devizes Town Mayors time in office. These events are such a true honour to be invited to, and I once again reflect on the privilege I feel on a daily basis to serve the public of Wiltshire and Swindon.

Kindest regards to you,

Catherine Roper

Chief Constable, Wiltshire Police