Wiltshire Police has launched a major operation to target knife and gun crime in Swindon.
Over the coming four weeks, officers will be working to address the significant rise in violent crime – with proactive policing expected 24 hours a day.
Local policing teams, authorised firearms officers, roads policing officers and the Fortitude unit are expected to roam crime hotspots, carry out plain-clothed patrols and execute warrants.
In the six months up until February this year, there were ten violent incidents involving weapons that resulted in somebody sustaining serious injuries.
The most notable incidents were the stab murder of Owen Dunn in Haydon End and the shooting of a teenage boy in Penhill last week.
Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith said: “Within Swindon, throughout the last few months we have seen a concerning escalation of violence where weapons have been used in both public and private spaces, resulting in several serious injuries and the tragic death of an 18 year old man in Haydon End in December. I absolutely recognise the impact that this has on our local communities.
“Extensive police and partnership activity is ongoing to address these issues, yet I recognise that more still needs to be done to tackle these issues.
“Our new Chief Constable, Catherine Roper, has set clear priorities for the force including Safer Public Spaces and Tackling Violence and we, as a force, are working closely with the Police and Crime Commissioners Office and wider partners to achieve this.
“Over the next four weeks we will be carrying out enhanced and focused police activity to tackle the issues of violence across Swindon. This will involve my officers carrying out increased visible patrols across the town.
“My officers are fully committed in bringing those that commit violent crimes or carry knifes and other weapons to justice. However, we cannot do this alone.
“We need information from our communities in order that we can tackle these issues effectively with our partners.
“I would urge anyone with any information to please contact us on 999 in an emergency, 101 in a non emergency or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.
“Alternatively information regarding your local policing team can be found on the Wiltshire Police website with details of how to make contact.”
