Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson has called on communities to work with the police and prevent a “cycle of violence” in Swindon after two teenagers were attacked yesterday evening (Mon 24 July).

A young teenage boy was taken to hospital following the incident near Shaw Forest Park after being stabbed, the third stabbing in the space of six weeks in the town. Another teenager was also hit during the attack.

Increased police patrols will take place in the area to reassure the public and assist the investigation with the Police and Crime Commissioner asking communities to come forward with any information they may have:

“Whilst I’d like to say that I’m shocked by this latest incident, it seems that we’re having to talk about knife related crime much too frequently.

“The increase of young people carrying knives is incredibly worrying and tackling the issues lies with everyone: parents, schools, the police, and young people themselves.

“Although the victim's injuries weren't life threatening, knives can kill and educating young people about the risks and harm and the likely prison sentence if caught carrying a knife, is the key to tackling this growing crime”

The Police and Crime Commissioner has recently met with South Swindon MP Robert Buckland and a number of groups and charities which work in both the preventative and rehabilitative space to formulate a strategy to tackle knife crime.

He continued:

“My office is committed to making sure these programmes are in place through the work of our recently appointed Serious Violence Duty Co-ordinator and through our work with our partner agencies.

“Residents may be feeling concerned for themselves and for the safety of the younger members of their families. It’s important for them to know that the vast majority of young people aren’t involved in these crimes but if they do have any information they think could help, they must share it with the police. They can contact the police directly or it can be done anonymously through Crimestoppers.

“We need to ensure that incidents such as these don’t become a cycle of violence and I am determined to make sure that won’t happen in Swindon and Wiltshire”

Anybody who might have information about this incident can contact Wiltshire Police on 101, quoting log 220 of yesterday’s date.

“Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.

Published Tuesday 25 July 2023