Following my recent introduction to the town, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the warm welcome I have received.
It has been a privilege to meet so many members of our community and I have been genuinely touched by the kind words and support that have been extended to me.
Having introduced myself, I would also like to introduce the rest of the Melksham Neighbourhood Policing Team: PC Ben Coombs, PC Francesca Thornell, PCSO Evie Griffin and PCSO Kerena Walters.
Our team is responsible for policing both Melksham town and the surrounding rural communities. Unlike our response colleagues, who attend emergency 999 calls, our focus is on long-term neighbourhood policing. This includes community engagement, problem-solving, crime prevention and targeted patrols aimed at addressing local concerns.
So, what has the team been working on this month?
On 6th June, the Melksham Neighbourhood Team was joined by colleagues from the Roads Policing Unit, the Special Constabulary and the Drone Team as part of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) National E-Scooter Day of Action. This nationwide operation focused on both enforcement and education surrounding the legal use of e-scooters.
I am aware that Melksham has experienced significant concerns regarding anti-social behaviour linked to e-scooters and e-bikes and as a result the town was selected as a county focus for the operation. Unfortunately, poor weather conditions appeared to keep many people indoors, reducing activity throughout the day. Nevertheless, officers seized one e-bike and one e-scooter during the operation.
This follows similar enforcement activity carried out at the end of March, when officers seized three e-bikes and arrested four individuals over a 48-hour period on suspicion of driving and drug-related offences.
Operations of this nature will continue and I would encourage residents to keep reporting concerns and sightings through the Wiltshire Police website. While we may not always be able to deploy an officer immediately, the information provided helps us build an intelligence picture, identify hotspots and direct patrols to the areas where they are most needed.
On 18th June, the Melksham Neighbourhood Team, supported by the Neighbourhood Tasking Team, executed a warrant at an address in Holt. A 25-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs after officers recovered a quantity of Class A drugs and more than 600 vapes believed to contain cannabis. She has since been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.
Finally, we continue to hold a number of community drop-in sessions across Melksham. These provide an excellent opportunity for residents to speak with members of the neighbourhood team, raise concerns and discuss issues affecting their area. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for details of upcoming events as they are announced.
Thank you for your continued support. We remain committed to working alongside our communities to keep Melksham a safe place to live, work and visit.
Charly Chilton, Neighbourhood Police Sergeant
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