Safer Streets Summer

This summer, Wiltshire Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) are launching Safer Streets Summer – high-impact community policing designed to reduce crime, tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and make our town centres safer - day and night. 

Whether you are shopping, meeting friends, or enjoying an evening out, you will notice the difference: more officers on the ground, more engagement with the public, and more visible action in the places that matter most. 

Together we are Making Wiltshire Safer 

This is not something we are doing alone. Both Wiltshire Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner are working in partnership with councils, local businesses, charities and community groups to build safer, stronger, more welcoming town centres across the county. 

Why? Because everyone deserves to feel safe where they live, work, and socialise. 

Seen Something? Say Something

If something doesn’t feel right – report it. 

You report it. We act. 

Let’s make this a summer of safety – together. 

What is the campaign about? 

This initiative is part of the Government’s Safer Streets mission, delivers on its ASB Hotspot funding and supports the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.  

It targets key locations in Wiltshire that experience higher levels of ASB, retail crime, and potential public disorder, like car meets, mass gatherings, during the summer months. 

We are focusing our efforts in: 

• Swindon
• Salisbury
• Chippenham
• Trowbridge
• Marlborough

What’s happening in my area? 

Wiltshire Police’s actions are backed by £1M from the Home Office’s Hotspot Response Fund and are built on real-time crime data and community feedback. Here is what our residents can expect: 

Increased patrols 

• More police officers and PCSOs in town centres
• Targeted high-visibility patrols in 34 crime hotspots, identified by recorded data 
• Mobile police stations for added visibility and access

Tougher action on crime and ASB 

• Use of Community Protection Notices and Out of Court Resolutions
• Crackdowns on repeat offenders and organised shoplifting
• Visible enforcement of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)

Smarter policing with technology 

• Mobile CCTV and facial recognition in known trouble spots
• Hyper-local crime mapping to focus resources effectively

Community-led safety 

• “Walk and Talk” sessions with residents – especially women – to improve safety
• Community Payback projects in town centre areas
• Engagement stalls at summer events and festivals

Safer Nights out 

• Taxi marshals and safe spaces to protect vulnerable people
• Partnership work with licensed venues to prevent drink spiking
• Expansion of the “Ask for Angela” scheme 

A message from the Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson  

“Making our town centres safer is not just about more patrols – it is about listening to what communities want and acting upon it.  

“While the additional funding for this increased focus has come from Government, our approach is built upon engagement and feedback from communities who have been telling me since my election in 2021, they want greater police officer visibility and for Wiltshire Police to tackle the crimes that matter to their communities. 

“Over the last few years, we have seen Wiltshire Police increasingly delivering on this as they work to my Police and Crime Plan, improving their performance and delivery along the way.  

“Policing should have input from the communities it serves and we have listened to feedback from residents and businesses by investing in what works: visibility, partnership, and real consequences for those who cause harm.” 

“We know crime doesn’t stop when the sun comes out – in fact, we often see more of it. 

“That is why this is not just a police effort. Our partners, from councils to community groups, are all pulling together. Wiltshire Police and my office will be out at markets, festivals and events all summer, sharing safety advice and listening to what matters most to you. 

“Crucially – if you see something, tell Wiltshire Police. The more they know, the better they can respond. This is a shared mission.” 

A message from the Chief Constable Catherine Roper  

“The Commissioner and I are committed to increasing our visibility, engagement and accessibility within our communities.

"Across the summer, you will see my officers, staff and volunteers out in your communities to ensure we are not just responding to crime – we are preventing it.

“This is more than just us being present in those areas you live and work in – we are listening to you, responding to your concerns and we are accountable for making you feel safer.

“We will continue to build relationships with our communities to strengthen the trust and confidence you have in our service.

“We will keep you updated across the summer with what we are doing in your area and how we will improve the service you receive.

“Please engage with our Neighbourhood Policing Teams and keep updated with their activities in your community via the Your Area section of our website.

“The work you will see across the next few months is central to our mission of Keeping Wiltshire Safe.”

How You Can Get Involved 

• Report crime and ASB online or through 101
• Attend community events to meet your local policing team
• Take part in Walk and Talk sessions if you’ve experienced safety concerns
• Follow Wiltshire Police and the OPCC on social media for patrol updates and campaign news 
• Take part in the Chief’s Facebook Live event on Monday 7 July from 18.30hrs which is focused on tackling ASB. You can pre-submit questions for this via the main Wiltshire Police Facebook page now.