Wiltshire Police have announced the launch of a new initiative, Vigilant Communities, aimed at reducing sexual violence and identifying predatory behaviour in public spaces. The initiative encourages members of the public, alongside local authorities, businesses, CCTV operators, and community groups, to report concerning sexualised behaviour that may indicate the presence of potential offenders.
The Vigilant Communities project comes as Wiltshire experiences an increase in reports of indecent exposure and concerning behaviour, ranging from beauty spots to busy town centres. Detective Inspector Troy Smith, leading the initiative, explained the importance of early intervention in preventing more serious sexual offences.
“We know that nearly all serious sexual offenders have carried out non-contact offences such as stalking, indecent exposure, or voyeurism. By creating ‘Vigilant Communities,’ we aim to gather intelligence on individuals who make women and girls feel frightened and vulnerable before an assault happens,” DI Smith said. “When someone becomes a victim of sexual violence, we are already too late.”
How the Vigilant Communities Initiative Works
Neighbourhood Policing Teams, local businesses, and community groups across Wiltshire will receive training on how to spot predatory behaviour. Some of the warning signs include:
- A sober man loitering outside a pub, approaching intoxicated women.
- A car circling a local nightclub, youth club, school, or college without a clear purpose.
- An intoxicated woman is being led by a sober man, with his arm steering her.
- Groups of men making comments or watching women and girls as they pass by outside a café or takeaway.
The initiative asks the public to report any behaviour that feels suspicious to help police build a comprehensive picture of those posing a risk to the community. Reports can be submitted through the Wiltshire Police website or by calling 101, quoting the term Vigilant Communities.
DI Smith emphasized the importance of public vigilance: “It’s like a jigsaw puzzle. Every report adds a piece, and we need your help to complete the picture and prevent harm before it happens.”
Partnership with Local Businesses and Authorities
The Vigilant Communities initiative is part of a wider strategy to reduce sexual violence across Wiltshire and Swindon. The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is funding free Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) and Licensing SAVI training for night-time economy staff to help them identify vulnerable individuals and make appropriate interventions. The training covers key issues such as drink spiking and the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme, designed to help people discreetly seek assistance in bars and clubs.
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson stressed the importance of creating safer environments in night-time venues. “This training allows venues to take responsibility for their customers and create safer, more supportive environments,” he said. We are also improving lighting and CCTV across key towns and cities, including Trowbridge, Salisbury, and Chippenham, to ensure our streets are safer.
Encouraging Community Reporting
Wiltshire Police are asking the public to report any behaviour they feel is predatory or suspicious. DI Smith assured the public that no amount of community intelligence is too much. If you report something, even if you don’t get an immediate response, your information could be critical in the future.
Residents and local businesses can contact Wiltshire Police via the 101 number for more information or to report suspicious behaviour.
By working together, Wiltshire Police hope to make the streets of Wiltshire a hostile place for predators and significantly reduce the risk of sexual violence across the county.
