Wiltshire Police launches Safer Streets Winter of Action to tackle festive crime
Campaign aims to improve safety in town centres and late-night venues
Wiltshire Police has kicked off a Safer Streets Winter of Action aimed at reducing crime and antisocial behaviour during the festive season.
Running from 1st December 2025 to 31st January 2026, the operation focuses on making town centres and late-night venues safer for all, as well as protecting those visiting busy locations over the winter evenings.
The initiative builds on the Home Office's Summer Safer Streets programme and aligns with Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner’s Getting You Home Safe campaign.
The Winter of Action will target seasonal crime and antisocial activities across Swindon, Salisbury, Trowbridge, Chippenham, and Devizes town centres. Wiltshire Police has highlighted specific risks over the festive period, including increased footfall, darker evenings, and alcohol-related disorder.
Officers will conduct a range of activities which include:
High-visibility patrols tackling retail crime, antisocial behaviour, and alcohol-related offences.
Hotspot policing in 34 specific micro-locations based on intelligence and evidence.
Enforcement against repeat offenders causing significant harm.
Deploying plain clothed and uniformed officers to deter predatory behaviour and safeguard vulnerable individuals.
Seizing and tackling criminal use of off-road bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters.
Collaborative engagement with businesses, licensed venues, and transport providers.
Uniformed police, PCSOs, plain clothed teams, and specialists will be deployed during peak times to reduce crime, reassure the public, and support those at risk.
Wiltshire Police’s efforts extend into pubs, bars, clubs, and other late-night venues throughout the operation. Officers have teamed up with door staff, taxi firms, councils, and venue employees to address concerns quickly and safeguard anyone vulnerable.
This campaign complements the Police and Crime Commissioner’s support through initiatives such as street marshals, staff safeguarding training, and enhanced CCTV coverage in social night-time locations.
Local Community Safety Partnerships will also contribute to preventing violence and improving safety in Wiltshire’s nightlife spots.
Chief Superintendent Mark Lynch emphasised the collective approach:
“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 also commented on the campaign:
“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.”