Statement from the PCC on knife crime

Firstly, my thoughts are with Cameron Hamilton, and his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

In the early hours of Saturday morning another young, promising life was taken by knife crime. Despite a considerable police presence in the Bournemouth town centre area at the weekend, sadly a person chose to commit a mindless and instant act which has had catastrophic consequences – Bournemouth truly is a town in mourning.

This week, I will be sitting down with the Chief Constable to review the policing of Bournemouth town centre to ensure everything that can be done, when it comes to policing the night-time economy is being done.

However, Dorset Police cannot tackle the problem on its own. For the past two years I have been asking the local authorities to support setting up a Violence Reduction Unit (VRU). The unit would bring together essential partners to reduce local violent crime and address the underlying causes. The VRUs understand the local needs of the area and identify where and how interventions would be most effective.

And now I am asking again for the local authorities to reconsider their position and support this proposal. I will also be seeking the support of the local MPs as I will need their help in lobbying government to secure further funding for what I now consider to be an absolute necessity for Bournemouth and our county.

The time for talking is over - we must now all work together and act together to get this diabolical, heinous crime under control.

 

David Sidwick

Police and Crime Commissioner