Melksham Police Update

I am writing to introduce myself, Charly Chilton, as your Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant for Melksham and Bradford on Avon.

I bring with me over 17 years of policing experience, all of which has been dedicated to frontline uniformed roles across Swindon, Warminster and most recently Trowbridge.

During this time, I have worked within both Response and Neighbourhood Policing teams.

I was promoted to Sergeant in 2020 and was fortunate to return to a Neighbourhood Policing role the following year in Trowbridge. Alongside my core role, I am also a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) officer and a Police Liaison Officer (PLO), supporting engagement at public protests.

Following a period of maternity leave, I am pleased to have returned and taken up this post, serving the communities of Melksham and Bradford on Avon.

I am passionate about neighbourhood policing and the importance of building strong, trusted relationships within the community. There is widespread evidence that, when delivered effectively, community‑based policing increases public trust and confidence, helping to reverse the declines seen in recent years. For me, neighbourhood policing is about being visible, accessible and engaged, so that communities feel listened to and supported.

Neighbourhood teams play a vital role in preventing crime and anti‑social behaviour, particularly through proactive problem‑solving in town centres, rather than simply reacting to incidents after they have occurred. By fostering strong relationships with residents, businesses and partner agencies, I believe that officers are better placed to gather local intelligence, which is crucial in tackling wider and more serious criminality.

A consistent, trusted presence on the street also contributes directly to improved public safety and increased feelings of reassurance among residents.

In my previous areas, I worked closely with town councils and local authorities to address the issues that matter most to local residents. I am committed to ensuring that my team remains visible, approachable, and focused on local priorities.

Some of my recent work has focused on collaboration with local retailers and business owners to tackle retail crime, developing partnerships to prevent offences and to target repeat and prolific offenders. This has included successfully securing some of Wiltshire’s first Criminal Behaviour Orders against prolific offenders.

Charly Chilton