Newly released figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed a 17 per cent rise in robbery when compared with the year before.

Figures show 356 reported robberies from April 2022 to March 2023, having risen from 303 between April 2021 and March 2022.

The rise is slightly higher than the statistical increase of 13% in robberies seen across England and Wales as a whole.

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Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “While any increase in crime is worrying and needs to be addressed, especially one with an increase of 17%, we have to remember many types of crime are still returning to levels experienced before the pandemic.

“I will continue to work closely with the chief constable to ensure sustainable and long-term resolutions are found. My office also works together with the county’s two Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) to reduce crime and disorder, and the government-run Safer Streets scheme allows us access to funding to tackle this kind of neighbourhood crime.

“Wiltshire Police has also developed a reformed approach to dealing with robberies specifically, and will be focusing on prioritising evidential opportunities, prevention, disruption and improving how they deal with victims to make Wiltshire a safer place for all of our communities.”