New police 'public health' approach to Wiltshire knife

Wiltshire Police has launched its first Knife Crime Strategy.

The document sets out how the force will work with partners over the next three years to prevent knife-enabled violence and keep communities safe.

While knife crime levels in Wiltshire remain comparatively low compared to many areas nationally, the impact of knife-related violence can be devastating for victims, families and communities.

In the 12 months to May, there were 777 knife-enabled crimes reported in Wiltshire, an increase of 6.1% on the previous year.

However, incidents involving offenders aged under 18 have fallen significantly by 27.6%, representing 42 fewer offences than the previous year.

The strategy adopts a public health approach, recognising that knife crime cannot be tackled by policing alone.

Working alongside the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, local authorities, health services, education, youth justice, probation, fire and rescue services, and the voluntary sector, the force will focus on prevention, safeguarding, enforcement and early intervention.

The strategy aims to reduce knife carrying, prevent violence, identify those at risk earlier and provide support before harm occurs.

It also outlines plans to strengthen intelligence sharing, target offenders, support victims and educate young people about the dangers and consequences of carrying knives.

Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith said: "Knife crime may be relatively low in Wiltshire, but every incident has the potential to cause devastating and life-changing harm.

"We have already seen positive results through partnership working, including a significant reduction in the number of children carrying knives, but there is more to do.

"This strategy sets out how Wiltshire Police and our partners will continue to prevent knife crime through early intervention, safeguarding, targeted enforcement and community engagement.

"Our approach is child-centred and trauma-informed, recognising the links between vulnerability, exploitation, victimisation and offending.

"By identifying those at risk early and providing the right support, we can help prevent young people from becoming involved in serious violence and create safer communities for everyone."

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “Reducing serious violence requires a coordinated response that goes beyond traditional policing.

"Through the Serious Violence Duty, organisations across Wiltshire are using shared data and intelligence to build a clearer picture of the factors driving violence, identify emerging risks and take coordinated action to prevent harm before it occurs.

“My office plays a key role in supporting this work, helping to bring partners together and investing in initiatives that tackle the root causes of violence.

"This includes programmes that build resilience, raise awareness of exploitation, support informed decision making and help young people develop the skills and confidence to make positive choices.

"The significant reduction in knife crime involving under-18s demonstrates the value of this preventative approach.

"This new Knife Crime Strategy strengthens our shared commitment to understanding and addressing the causes of violence, supporting those most at risk and keeping Wiltshire's communities safe."

People can read the Knife Crime Strategy here.