Safer Streets Winter of Action begins in Wiltshire

Wiltshire Police has launched a Winter of Action as part of the Home Office’s Safer Streets initiative.

Running from 1st December 2025 to 31st January 2026, the operation focuses on reducing crime and antisocial behaviour while improving safety in town centres and in places where people go out in the evening, including bars, pubs, clubs and other late-night venues, as well as supporting those visiting busy festive locations.

The activity follows the Home Office Safer Streets Summer initiative and aligns closely with work already underway through the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon’s Getting You Home Safe campaign. 

Increased patrols and targeted activity 
 
Wiltshire Police’s Winter of Action will focus on seasonal crime in the town centres of Swindon, Salisbury, Trowbridge, Chippenham and Devizes. Although overall crime remains low, winter brings specific risks due to increased footfall, darker conditions, and festive celebrations.  
 
As part of the initiative, officers will carry out: 

• High-visibility patrols in key town centre locations tackling retail crime, antisocial behaviour and alcohol-related disorder. 
• Additional hotspot policing informed by local intelligence and evidence-led deployment across 34 micro-locations. 
• Targeted enforcement against high-harm repeat offenders. 
• Plain-clothed and uniformed deployments to disrupt predatory behaviour and actively watch for those who may be looking to target vulnerable people for a sexual purpose. 
• Action against criminal use of off-road bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters, with seizures and graduated enforcement. 
• Engagement with businesses, licensed venues and transport providers. 
• Joint working with councils and community safety partners to prevent antisocial behaviour. 
• Uniformed officers, PCSOs, plain-clothed and specialist teams will be deployed at peak times to deter offending, reassure the public, and support vulnerable people early. 

Supporting safer nights out 

The operation prioritises proactive police intervention in pubs, bars, clubs and other evening venues. Officers will work with venue staff, door supervisors, taxi companies and local councils to identify concerns early and safeguard vulnerable people. 

This includes significant support from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s ongoing work to introduce street marshals, to provide safeguarding training for venue staff, and to enhance CCTV coverage in areas where people socialise during the evening. 

Wiltshire Police will also continue supporting OPCC-funded initiatives delivered through local Community Safety Partnerships, which are aimed at preventing violence, reducing vulnerability and improving safety around pubs, clubs and similar late-night settings. 

Chief Superintendent Mark Lynch said: “The festive season brings increased footfall into our town and city centres, and we have operations planned across the festive period to support a safe environment for all. Winter of action brings together neighbourhood teams, specialist officers and our partners to prevent crime, support businesses and protect our communities.” 

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: "Everyone deserves to feel safe when enjoying a night out or visiting our town centres, and that means tackling the issues which undermine those feelings of safety– from antisocial behaviour and alcohol-related disorder to business crime.  

“The Home Office’s Winter of Action campaign builds on my office’s Getting You Home Safe campaign, which focuses on initiatives already being delivered and highlights the importance of partnership working – with councils, police, venue staff, businesses and communities – to prevent harm, protect the vulnerable and make Wiltshire safer for all.” 

Public encouraged to report concerns 

The public is encouraged to report any behaviour that seems unusual or concerning to the Police. Community information is vital in directing patrols and identifying emerging issues early. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. 

Regular updates on activity and patrol locations will be available through the Wiltshire Police website and Neighbourhood Policing Team Facebook pages.