Officials from the Home Office took to the streets of Salisbury this week, moving beyond policy discussions to firsthand inspections of local crime prevention efforts under Wiltshire’s Safer Streets Summer programme. Hosted by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Wiltshire and Swindon, the delegation evaluated targeted policing strategies and community-focused interventions designed to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the city.
The visit began at Salisbury Guildhall with briefings from the OPCC, Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Council, Salisbury City Council, and Salisbury BID. These sessions highlighted key initiatives such as the Anti-Social Behaviour Hotspot Action Fund and the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee that underpin force-wide crime reduction.
Following the briefing, officials joined local officers on a tour of the city centre hotspots, engaging with business owners, Pub Watch members, anti-social behaviour wardens from AEC Protection, and staff from Turning Point, a commissioned service supporting vulnerable individuals.
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Returning to Guildhall for a debrief, the group discussed the achievements and challenges of current initiatives, as well as future plans for funding. Topics included collaborative efforts through the Local Joint Action Group, the Business Crime Reduction Partnership, and problem-solving techniques like Problem-Oriented Policing.
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson emphasized the importance of strong partnerships, stating, “This visit showcased the proactive measures our local teams are taking to keep our streets safe. Our initiatives, including increased patrols, advanced CCTV, taxi marshals, and support for individuals with addictions, have made a significant impact.”
Chief Superintendent Doug Downing, Head of Local Policing, added, “Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams remain committed to collaboration with communities and partners to reduce crime and enhance public confidence. Visibility and accessibility are central to our approach.”
Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Safety, Cllr Paul Sample JP, noted the programme’s positive influence on communities like Salisbury, while Salisbury City Council leader Cllr Sam Charleston praised improvements such as upgraded CCTV coverage and dedicated wardens for boosting public reassurance.
Dan Collins, Business Manager at Salisbury BID, expressed ambition for Salisbury to become “a model of best practice in partnership working, supporting a thriving day and night economy.”