Street wardens aiming to boost night time safety in Salisbury
They're tackling violence against women and girls as well as anti-social behaviour
New night time economy wardens in Salisbury are taking aim at violence and anti-social behaviour with patrols in the city centre.
The new wardens, funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), are specially trained to spot, step in and de-escalate situations that could potentially become violent.
They're also ready to identify people who may be vulnerable and in need of help.
The funding is a result of a successful bid by the OPCC to the Home Office “Safer Streets” fund which will see over eight-hundred thousand pounds being spent on initiatives across Wiltshire and Swindon.
Safer Public spaces is one of the priorities of Wiltshire Police, including a safer night-time economy and they're responding to the demands of local people who want crimes like anti-social behaviour tackled robustly.
The wardens expand the current neighbourhood and response policing teams, rather than replacing them, and will be walking the city on Friday and Saturday nights.
In June 2022, an OPCC survey of more than 2,000 people saw more than two-thirds of women and girls say they didn't feel safe in public spaces at night as a result of other people's drunken behaviour.
It's hoped the new wardens will reassure women and girls of their safety in Salisbury at night.
Paul Howe is the Managing Director of Venture Security, the company which provides the night time economy wardens, and he says his staff are well trained in dealing with situations which can make people feel uncomfortable, unsafe or vulnerable.
“My staff are trained in conflict management, they’re trained under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS), they’ve also had bystander training from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.
“They know what to look out for and how to provide support, when others often wouldn’t.”
Since the wardens started their patrols in February, they developed relationships with the Street Pastors, Salisbury CCTV, Salisbury BID and the local Neighbourhood Policing Team. They’re already well known in the city as they’re familiar face on the streets during the daytime.
Dan Collins is the Business Manager for Salisbury BID and has welcomed the wardens.
“I think it’s an excellent idea, because businesses and the night time economy has an extra layer of support.
“There’s already a good foundation in place with the Street Pastors and door security, but this is another resource which will help make people feel safer at night”