Chief Constable fortnightly update to the Police and Crime Commissioner - 9 October 2026

Chief Constable fortnightly update to the Police and Crime Commissioner - 9 October 2026

Dear Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson,

I want to begin this fortnight’s letter with an update for our communities on the murder investigation in Ludgershall.

First and foremost, my thoughts remain with the family and friends of Graham Pennycook, who tragically died while walking his dog on Thursday 24 September.

I cannot imagine the pain they are experiencing as they wait for the answers they deserve. They will continue to receive specialist support from our officers.

I also recognise that our communities in Ludgershall and the surrounding area will also have questions and concerns. Our Major Crime Investigation Team, led by Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, is working at pace to establish exactly what happened, and a crime scene remains in place in woodland close to Perham Down.

I understand the impact that a significant police presence can have on a small, rural community. It is imperative that we do all we can to ensure our communities are fully engaged, and this approach is being delivered by Chief Inspector Leighton Williams.

Having visited the scene myself this week, and spoken with my teams and local residents, I have been heartened to hear the way the communities have engaged with officers and staff at the cordons and across the area—asking questions, offering support and sharing information. 

I know that the hot drinks and snacks provided to our teams when it was cold and rainy this week were particularly welcomed – but more than that is the palpable commitment amongst everyone to support the Pennycook family in every way they can.

We provided further updates yesterday of the incident itself which our communities can read here . 

I am grateful for the coverage by the local and the national media, who ensured time was made available for DCI Phil Walker, to explain our progress and make a further appeal for information. 

We believe that Mr Pennycook was assaulted. We also believe that someone out there has vital information to help us understand further what happened and identify the perpetrators. 

We are specifically asking for help with the following:

A heightened police presence will remain in the area across the weekend, and I encourage anyone with concerns to speak directly to our officers, staff or volunteers. 

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact us on 101 or submit it through our dedicated website. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

I need to stress that the primary focus for Wiltshire Police is the investigation in Ludgershall. We will do everything we can to seek justice for the Pennycook family and will continue to update the communities with any progress. I thank them in advance for their continued support.

However, I do just want to use this letter to recognise another important aspect of our service to communities - the contribution of our Volunteer Police Cadets.

This week marked the first National Cadet Week, providing a timely opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our Wiltshire Police Cadets and the volunteer leaders who support them.

Although Cadets make a solemn declaration, similar to that of police officers, to serve with fairness, integrity and diligence, the programme is about far more than a future career in policing. It gives young people the opportunity to develop skills, build confidence, challenge themselves, form lasting friendships and learn the value of teamwork, self-reliance, discipline and service to others.

As the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Children and Young Persons, I see the transformative impact of Cadet programmes. They bring together young people from different backgrounds, help them fulfil their potential and recognise the invaluable contribution of the volunteers who guide and inspire them.

Here in Wiltshire, 84 Cadets attend our four units in Warminster, Trowbridge, Swindon and Chippenham. Meeting weekly during term time, they take part in practical activities, learn about local policing, specialist departments and community issues, and gain skills that will serve them throughout their lives. You can watch a Facebook video about the incredible work of our Cadets here.

Since March alone, our Cadets have contributed more than 670 volunteering hours and supported 39 community events across the county. From the Armed Forces Day at Lydiard Park and the High Sheriff Charity Gala, to local festivals and engagement events, they have represented Wiltshire Police with enthusiasm and professionalism. This Sunday, they are once again supporting the Wiltshire Police Scout Challenge Badge Day, as they have done previously and will again in March for the equivalent Girl Guiding event.

Their contribution also adds real value to operational policing. This year, our Cadets have supported over 180 test purchase deployments to tackle the sale of age-restricted items to young people, worked with our Hotel Watch initiative to raise awareness of exploitation and modern slavery, and taken part in Historic England’s Missing Pieces Project. I am particularly proud that Wiltshire’s cadets received national recognition for updating the highest number of heritage-site records. 

Their charitable work is equally impressive. Over the past year, our Cadets have helped to raise more than £4,000 for organisations including MIND, Cancer Research and Doorway. They have also collected and wrapped more than 400 Christmas presents for children in need, taken part in fundraising events and volunteered many more hours in support of good causes.

None of this would be possible without our Cadet Leaders and volunteers. Drawn from a wide range of backgrounds, they freely give their time to mentor and support young people week after week. Their dedication is at the heart of the programme’s success.

I am immensely proud of our Cadets and grateful to the volunteer leaders, families and colleagues who support them. 

Together, they demonstrate what can be achieved when young people are given encouragement, opportunity and a meaningful role in serving their communities. 

Wiltshire Police is better and stronger because of their ongoing commitment to public service. 

Kindest regards to you,

Catherine Roper

Chief Constable, Wiltshire Police