In response to the recent change in the threat level to critical, armed officers from Wiltshire Police will be seen out and about in our communities, primarily in Swindon and Salisbury but not limited to those areas.
We do stress that this is not based on any change in intelligence or threat for those areas, the county or the South West, but the decision has been taken instead to make firearms officers more deployable and visible to our communities. We think this is what the public would expect at this time.
Our priority is to provide as much reassurance to communities as possible but we do recognise that some may feel anxious. The firearms officers will be engaging and talking with people and we would actively encourage you to approach the officers and ask any questions they may have.
We advise the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity on 0800 789 321 or in an emergency the public should always call 999.
