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Calls for more police as people feel unsafe at night

Jeremy SternWiltshire, Swindon
How safe do you feel on a night out in Wiltshire?

There are calls for a greater police presence in a town centre after a survey found just one in four people feel safe at night.

A new campaign is under way in Swindon to raise awareness of ways residents can be protected on nights out, which includes seeking help from taxi marshals and community wardens.

It follows research which showed that only 25% of a survey's respondents (829) in Wiltshire felt "quite" or "very" safe at night.

Steve Griffiths, of the Steam Railway Co pub, said: "It isn't as safe as it used to be. I think the police are thinly spread out. We should all have responsibility to make sure it is safe for people to come out."

Poor lighting was the biggest concern for 61% (2,023), while 54% (1,791) said a lack of visible police presence was a key contributing factor, according to the survey conducted by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Woman in pink jumper and man in cream jumper in a pub setting
Nicky Lewis and Harry Timbrell in The Tuppenny have called for more police to be present on nights out

Nicky Lewis, who was in The Tuppenny in Swindon, said she would not walk home alone after 21:00.

She said: "It can be intimidating, especially when you walk past males if they've got their hoods up or if they're in a group.

"A greater police presence around would probably make you feel a lot safer."

Harry Timbrell, who was also drinking in the pub, said: "Growing up and going to the football a lot, having a bigger police presence was massive."

Back at the Steam Railway Co pub, Mr Griffiths said he had trained his staff in the Ask for Angela and Ask for Clive initiatives.

He added: "If someone comes up to the bar and asks for Angela, we take them to a safe environment and can ring a relative or cab to get them away from the situation to make sure they are okay."

Police and Crime Commissioner Men walking through Swindon with high vis which says 'community safety warden'Police and Crime Commissioner
Community safety wardens patrol Swindon at weekends

As part of the campaign, information is being shared in Swindon about the work of police officers, taxi marshals, neighbourhood wardens, night angels and street pastors who provide support.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson was part of the team who launched the initiative.

He said: "By bringing together police officers, local authorities, venue staff, and volunteers, we've demonstrated the practical steps being taken to keep people safe during the festive season."

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