Crime in Melksham back to ‘pre-Covid’ levels

DEMAND for police services in the Melksham area has returned to “pre-Covid levels”, say local police. 

According to figures from the 14 days up to Monday 23rd August, there were a total of 74 crimes amongst a total of 268 incidents attended by the Response and Neighbourhood Teams. 

“The last fortnight has shown that we’re well and truly back to pre-Covid levels of demand on our services,” Sgt James Twy- ford told Melksham News. 

The local sergeant has explained that the 268 incidents attended by the Response and Neighbourhood Teams covers every type of demand, from missing people, to welfare concerns, to shoplifting, assaults, road traffic collisions and anti-social behaviour. 

And according to Sgt Twyford, of the 74 crimes, 31 were related to ‘Violence Against the Person’, which includes assaults, threats, harassment and stalking offences – 15 of these were ‘Assaults with Injury’; and nearly half of which were assaults against police officers and staff. 

There were also 12 crimes related to ‘Arson or Criminal Damage’; and 12 crimes related to theft. 

Sgt Twyford said, “Noteworthy reports include criminal damage in the form of extensive graffiti to apparatus within KGV Park.  This is under investigation; two suspects have now been identified and enquiries are ongoing to bring them to justice. 

“A 34 year-old male was arrested and remains on bail, following a report of three assaults against children aged 11, 13 and 14 in KGV Park last week.  It appears to be an isolated incident where alcohol has played a factor, but we will be imminently referring this to the CPS for a charging decision. 

“A 38 year-old male has been charged and remanded following an incident on 22nd August, where two members of the public were assaulted, followed by three separate assaults on members of police staff who were tasked to deal with the report.  He has also been charged with criminal damage. 

“Following the residents’ meeting in Primrose Drive; we reached out to some of the more vocal individuals who attended.  None have taken the opportunity to engage with us.  This is now something we will monitor on a periodic basis, unless the reporting picture changes.  This is to allow us time to focus on other issues within the wider town area.  Melksham Town Council are looking into a solution to the misuse of the footpath between Heather Avenue and Dorset Crescent.”