Only by working together can we ensure a safe night out for all in Salisbury

Custody, CCTV, officer visibility and licensing concerns were all on the agenda as the Police and Crime Commissioner met with Salisbury City Council representatives, police and those from the late-night economy in Salisbury yesterday afternoon.

Following the serious incident that happened in Salisbury the week prior, PCC Philip Wilkinson discussed practical solutions to ongoing concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour in the city, particularly late at night, and how longer-term aspirations can be achieved by working together.

He said he could see how a multi-agency approach with increased police visibility and community engagement, better lighting in some areas and extra CCTV capability could start to make a difference and he was determined to work with Wiltshire Police, Salisbury City Council, Wiltshire Council, and other local representatives, to bring those issues to the fore.

“There are clearly growing concerns among residents of Salisbury around crime and anti-social behaviour, with the recent incident in which a young man sadly lost his life reinforcing those concerns and I appreciate how those communities must be feeling now,” he said.

“My office is already working with partners across the county, including Wiltshire Council to develop a Safety at Night Charter bringing together all those in the late-night economy to ensure a safer night out can be had for all and I’m really pleased that the city council is keen to get on board with this too.

“It’s really important to me that residents of Salisbury feel safe again, and that the strong relationships between police, local authority and the late-night economy are re-established following two years of lockdown restrictions, to ensure that a safe night out can be had for all.”

The Mayor of the City of Salisbury, Councillor Caroline Corbin, who was present at the meeting, said “I would like to thank the Police and Crime Commissioner for coming to Salisbury to listen to our concerns and discuss ways of working together to improve safety in the City. 

“There is a lot of good work already going on by many organisations across the city, including the Street Pastors and Pubwatch, and we need to build on this for the sake of all our residents.”

Residents in the city are urged to report areas where they feel unsafe online or in the event of a crime to report to the police via their website or by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.