PCC urges continued partnership to prevent knife crime and support families

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Philip Wilkinson, has called for police, public bodies, charities and community groups to keep working together to prevent knife crime following a summit in Swindon.

Hosted by Owen’s World Foundation, the event brought together organisations working with young people and communities, including Change Lives Say No To Knives, Charlie’s Promise, Wiltshire Police and Knife Detection Dogs. They shared their experiences and discussed ways to prevent violence and support those affected by it.

Tanya Brown spoke movingly about her son Connor, who was 18 when he was fatally stabbed in Sunderland in 2019. Following his death, Tanya and her husband Simon set up the Connor Brown Trust to educate young people about the consequences of knife crime.

Tanya also spoke about the Trainee Detective programme, developed with the Trust’s support. It uses the investigation into Connor’s death to show young people the reality of knife crime. Participants examine evidence and follow the case through the police investigation and court process, learning about its devastating impact on families and communities.

Although knife crime levels in Wiltshire remain comparatively low against many other parts of the country, its impact on victims, families and communities can be devastating.

The Police and Crime Commissioner said the summit was a powerful reminder that victims of knife crime and their families must be at the heart of everything agencies do.

Mr Wilkinson said:

“My priority is to work with our partners to prevent people from carrying blades through education, such as the successful Blunt Truth sessions my office is funding to be delivered in schools across the county, early intervention and community support.

“It’s through the work of organisations like Owen’s World which reminds us all of the tragic consequences of carrying a knife, but it’s a testament to Owen’s family and friends that they’ve used this experience to make positive changes in their community.”

Superintendent Mike Vass, Wiltshire Police’s strategic lead for knife crime and serious violence, told the summit that whilst knife enabled crime had increased overall in Wiltshire recently, offences involving people under 18 had nearly halved over the past three years. He praised the work of local organisations like Owen’s World and Change Lives, Say No To Knives and highlighted the importance of educating young people about knife crime through initiatives such as Blunt Truth, which is jointly funded by the OPCC and the NHS, and providing information and a place to report anonymously through Fearless.

Owen’s World was formed following the fatal stabbing of Owen Dunn in 2022. His family and friends have installed knife surrender bins and bleed kits around Swindon and speak to groups across the region about the dangers and impact of knife crime.

Jo Davis, one of the founders of Owen’s World, said: “It’s deeply sad to hear that knife enabled crime has risen in Wiltshire. Behind every incident are people whose lives can be changed forever.

“That’s why this summit matters. It brings together people who see the harm knife crime causes and are determined to prevent it. We all need to work harder together, share what we know and reach young people before another family has to face this.”

The Police and Crime Commissioner also spoke about how Wiltshire and Swindon is impacted by the central government funding formula which means that there is less money to tackle knife crime than in urban areas.

Mr Wilkinson thanked Owen’s World for bringing the organisations together and reaffirmed his commitment to reducing knife crime.

“Preventing knife crime takes a response from the whole community. Wiltshire is being asked to do more with less, and I will continue to press the Government for a funding formula that reflects the demands on our police force. In the meantime, we must keep working with schools, charities and other partners to reach young people early and offer them support.

“That is why I support Chief Constable Roper’s focus on community policing. Neighbourhood teams need to know their areas and build trust with local residents. When people feel confident sharing their concerns, Wiltshire Police and our partners can act earlier and focus their efforts where they are needed most.”

Published Wednesday 30 September 2026