POLICE superintendent Gavin Williams is urging members of the public to social distance when heading out and about this weekend.

Pubs and restaurants are expected to be busy as high temperatures tempt more people outside to enjoy the sunshine.

Wiltshire Police's Summer Demand campaign aims to reduce the demand on policing teams around the county.

Supt Williams reminded people to keep following safety guidelines and stay far enough apart from each other wherever they go.

He added: “Many pubs and restaurants have worked tirelessly to ensure their premises are Covid-secure. Now it is down to the public to ensure they are adhering to the rules and enjoying themselves safely when out and about.

“While it is great to see people supporting the hospitality industry after an extremely challenging year, it is important that we do not allow ourselves to become complacent.”

Overall crime volumes in Wiltshire reduced as a result of the pandemic. The number of violence with injury crimes in Wiltshire fell in March and April but is starting to rise again as restrictions ease, though it is still currently considered within normal levels.

Supt Williams added: “As expected, the number of reports of public order and violence fell slightly during lockdown when pubs and bars were forced to close, but we are starting to see the numbers rise once again as people begin getting back to some kind of normality.

"We know that people’s inhibitions will be lowered when they’ve consumed alcohol. This is often a contributory factor to violence and public order offences, which in turn place extra demand on our frontline services, including our ambulance colleagues who have been and continue to be, under extreme pressure.

“So our message to the public is clear – we are still in a global pandemic and this is set to be the case for many months. Please stay alert when out, look after yourselves and each other, drink responsibly and ensure you are abiding by the rules regarding face coverings where required, social distance and wash your hands regularly.”

Planning your night and your journey home is now more important than ever. With many pubs and restaurants asking people to book ahead, we are also urging people to plan their journey home at the same time.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jerry Herbert said: “Traditionally, summer is a prolific time for drink driving – our concern is that with more licenced premises now beginning to open, more people will be tempted to take the risk and get behind the wheel of a car having consumed alcohol.

“We’d urge people to think ahead – when booking your table at a pub or a restaurant, take a minute to also book a taxi home. It’s simply not worth the risk. If you take a risk with your life and that of other peoples by drink or drug driving, you will be caught.”