Gripping the challenges of violent crime in Slough
The past few days have seen a series of tragic events in Slough. Three men have lost their lives and the community is understandably concerned. Many will be scared. These awful events follow a series of violent incidents over recent weeks. Although the deaths in Baylis Park are not currently thought to be connected and do not as yet appear to involve the involvement of anyone else, we have nevertheless seen two murders in the town in the space of just five weeks.
I take each of these incidents incredibly seriously and although I would reiterate the reassurance from the police that there is no threat to the wider public, I am determined, as are Thames Valley Police, that all these incidents are treated with the utmost seriousness.
I will not comment on the details of ongoing investigations but over the past few days I have been speaking to the Chief Constable, other senior officers and the local commander about the developing situation and their plans to bring those responsible to justice and to reassure the wider community.
Work has been stepped up in Slough since the end of the summer and my team and I have been talking to Slough Borough Council, the local MP, local charities and the relatives of some of those impacted by these awful crimes. Operationally the Police Force has been diverting extra resources into Slough to ensure they grip some of the local challenges. This work will clearly continue, along with a tougher approach to dealing with knife crime and a continued focus on the drugs trade and identifying key individuals who pose a threat to others.
Today I have been in Slough again and have been briefed on the most recent incidents. I have visited the scene of yesterday's murder and seen for myself the flowers being laid in tribute. I have been asking about the resources available and the approach being taken, not just to bring the perpetrators to justice but also about improving the preventative work to keep the community safe. This will include the use of Section 60 Orders which grant tougher stop and search powers to the police for a limited time. I have been reassured that the local commander has the resources he needs in Slough and is receiving all of the support that he needs from across the force to tackle these issues.
From all the information available at present it seems clear that there is no link between the tragic deaths in Baylis Park and the awful murder that took place in Cippenham. Nevertheless I know the concern that these incidents will create across the whole town. As a father I can understand those concerns. I would reiterate the reassurances from the police and from what I have seen myself that the deaths over the weekend do not signify a wider risk to the general public, but I also know that actions will reassure more than simple words.
I am committed to working with Thames Valley Police, the council, and the wider community. Not just to ensure those responsible for these crimes are put behind bars where they belong, but that we tackle the wider culture of knife carrying and drug crime that has brought so much misery.
Finally my thoughts are with all of those who have lost love ones. Each life lost is a huge blow to the community but above all is an intense personal tragedy and my prayers are with them.
