An open letter from a Chippenham Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector has been written to parents and guardians across Calne, Corsham and Chippenham following the fatal stabbing of a teenager in the town, urging families to speak with young people about knife crime and setting out the work being carried out locally to prevent further harm.
Inspector Pete Foster circulated the letter in response to the death of Shayne Hambakachere, who was found seriously injured in London Road shortly before 4pm on Saturday 31st January.
A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was remanded in youth detention by Judge Peter Blair, with a trial date provisionally set for 10th August.
In his letter, Insp Foster said he recognised the shock and sadness felt across the community following Shayne’s death and offered his thoughts to those who knew and loved him. He said officers had kept in close contact with schools and local partners in the days after the incident, while increasing visible patrols and deploying a mobile police station in Chippenham town centre to speak directly with residents.
He told parents that although such incidents remain rare locally and he believes the area is still a safe place to live, work and visit, carrying a knife in public is illegal and can lead to arrest, imprisonment and lasting consequences such as difficulty securing employment or travelling abroad. He explained that if officers stop and search a child, parents are informed of the reasons and outcome, and that visits may take place where intelligence suggests a young person could be carrying a weapon, with prevention always the priority.
The letter also explains that some young people carry knives believing it offers protection, but warns that evidence shows those carrying weapons are more likely to be injured themselves, putting friends and family at risk rather than gaining respect or safety.
Police activity described includes participation in Operation Sceptre, weapon sweeps, school visits, retailer test purchasing, support for knife surrender bins and patrols targeting areas affected by anti-social behaviour. Work also takes place with partners in education, health and social services, and many local schools have received input from the NHS and police through the “Blunt Truth” programme to educate pupils about the consequences of knife crime and how to respond if someone is injured.
Parents and carers are encouraged to speak openly with their children about the issue and to raise concerns through a number of support routes including Childline, Crimestoppers and its youth service Fearless. National charities such as The Ben Kinsella Trust and The King’s Trust are also referenced, alongside Wiltshire-based initiatives including Change Lives, No to Knives and Owen’s World.
A vigil is also set to take place in Calne on Thursday 19th Feb from 6pm to 7pm, opposite the Zion Chapel in Phelps Parade. People are warmly invited to attend and share their memories, light candles and come together in support of those grieving, with the teenager’s father expected to be present.
In closing, Insp Foster invited residents to share suggestions and information, saying neighbourhood policing works best in partnership with the community.
Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Shayne’s death and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. Information can be provided via the Major Incident Public Portal or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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