Venture Security funded to keep Salisbury's streets safer

Venture Security began deploying two members of staff who patrol the city's streets every Friday and Saturday from 8pm until 4am after being allocated government funding from Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Andover-based company, which has been operating in Salisbury for 16 years, has been tasked with combating violence against women and girls and most of their work is preventative, supportive and intervention-based.

Wardens are not employed to deal with criminal activity but would have to report any witnessed crime to the local policing team.

However, managing director Paul Howe, 41, said arresting criminals "is not the only tool in the box", adding: "Being able to deescalate, provide a reassuring presence and assist people is worth a great deal.

"They provide a reassuring presence, someone people can speak to if they feel unsafe, but they are also looking out for signs of aggression and distress."

Paul Howe founded Venture Security in 2006. (Image: Newsquest)

The wardens carry body-worn cameras which Mr Howe said helps to cool down situations but is also a helpful provision for capturing evidence when necessary.

Read more: ​My experience on patrol with Salisbury Street Pastors

Mr Howe claimed his company has a bigger focus on safety and a “more caring approach” to security. He said: “The work we’re doing in the day time isn’t what people expect from security.

"It’s about building a rapport with people who are commonly in the town centre and building bridges with them. They have been able to establish trust with people who would not usually trust authority."

Round five of the Safer Streets’ fund has also been used to fund four deployable CCTV cameras in Salisbury to specifically cover areas anti-social behaviour hotspots. These are intended as a preventative measure but will also provide high-quality footage, should it be needed.

Night wardens David Lacey and Sally Ford. (Image: Newsquest)Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said the wardens will bolster existing neighbourhood and response policing teams, stressing it "is not a replacement for them".

He added: “The new wardens provide an extra layer of reassurance for anyone either enjoying an evening out or working in the night time economy in Salisbury.

“It’s important to stress, they’re not replacing the police, and through the recent uplift and changes to the shift patterns, there is greater police visibility across Wiltshire.

“Their focus will be on making sure vulnerable people are looked after, anti-social behaviour is reduced and together, we can create a safer night out.”

Dan Collins, David Lacey, Sally Ford and Paul Howe. (Image: Newsquest)

Business manager Dan Collins, at Salisbury BID, believes employing Venture Security is a "great addition and another layer of help for Salisbury".

"We're using a firm with 16 years of experience working within Salisbury, they have a full understanding of the area. It will make Salisbury a place in which people will feel safer," he added.