WILTSHIRE’S Chief Constable has pledged to map out exactly where neighbourhood officers will be patrolling, after admitting that despite thousands of community engagements each year, many residents still feel they rarely see police on their streets.

In her fortnightly letter to Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson, Chief Constable Catherine Roper said concerns about visibility dominated an hour-long BBC Radio Wiltshire phone-in last week.

While force data shows the use of mobile police stations has doubled and neighbourhood teams attend more than 11,600 events annually, she acknowledged this “is clearly not being felt by the public”.

To address the gap, she has commissioned a new, simple mapping system so communities can see where Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be. The information will be shared online and via local Facebook pages.

She also committed to maintaining around 1,200 police officers, supported by PCSOs and Special Constables, despite ongoing financial pressures.

Knife crime was another key focus following the fatal stabbing of Shayne Hambakachere in Chippenham last month.

Recorded knife crime in Wiltshire rose by 12% in 2024-25, with 786 reports. Stop and search has increased by 87.4% compared with the previous year, and a new knife crime action plan is being finalised.

Roper also reflected on what she described as one of the worst moments of her tenure: failures in handling Clare’s Law disclosures in 2023.

A review of 3,778 applications dating back eight years has since been completed, with additional safeguards introduced.

She said stalking reports are rising, successful outcomes for victims are increasing and the number of outstanding domestic abuse suspects has nearly halved in four months.

Anti-social behaviour reports have fallen from 10,242 in 2024 to 9,121 in 2025, though she acknowledged public perception remains a challenge. Four Public Space Protection Orders are currently in force across the county.

Looking ahead, Wiltshire Police expect its latest HMICFRS PEEL inspection report next month.

While anticipating improvements in frontline policing, Roper conceded more work is needed to strengthen investigations and victim support.