Column | PCC Mark Shelford – 20/06/2023

I hope everyone has been enjoying time outside in the sunshine and has stayed safe whilst doing so.

Firstly, I am aware of the deeply distressing and tragic incident in Bath on 10 June, in which 16-year-old Mikey Roynon from South Gloucestershire was killed.

I would like to pass on my thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the young man. The police have been working tirelessly to investigate. Two boys, a 15-year-old from Dorset and a 16-year-old from Wiltshire, have been charged with possessing an offensive weapon and murder in connection with the incident.

As your Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) I have sought assurances from Avon and Somerset Police, that they are proactively working closely with local partners and the community to put support in place for those affected by this terrible incident.

I understand residents’ concerns about knife crime, and I would like to reassure you that the police, our partners and local communities are working together to tackle the root causes of this issue.

I would urge anyone with information, images or footage of the incident, who hasn’t already been in touch with the police, to please contact them at the earliest opportunity. Please give the reference number 5223136640.

Last Wednesday (14 June) I put questions relating to knife crime and increased summer demand for police support to Chief Constable Sarah Crew at the latest Performance and Accountability Board. I know that the police get exceptionally busy in the summer, but local people still rightfully expect a high level of service.

As well as discussing knife crime prevention, we also discussed police volunteers and the work that they do, as well as rape and sexual assaults in hospitals.

If you would like to listen in to the conversation, you can view our Facebook live video that was recorded and has been posted to the OPCC Facebook page.

Lastly, I would like to highlight the 159 service, launched by Stop Scams UK. If you think someone is trying to trick you into handing over money or personal details, I urge you to stop, hang up and call 159.  This is a short-code phone service that connects people safely to their bank’s fraud prevention service.

This free phone service should be used when either you or someone you know may have provided an unknown person with your bank card or banking information over the phone, allowing you or your loved one to report financial scams as fraud may be potentially taking place. Individuals should still report any suspicious calls about financial matters to Action Fraud.

I would like to thank everyone for their continued support and contribution towards keeping our communities safe and wish you all a safe and happy week.