OFFENDERS could be required to make face-to-face apologies or repair damage they have done if moves to introduce community remedies in Wiltshire are taken up.

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson is consulting residents on proposals to use the method to tackle some low-level offences.

He said: “It is important to note that community remedies will only occur if the victim of the crime agrees. “By using this restorative approach when it is appropriate police can spend more time out in the community.

"Offenders are dealt with swiftly and in a way that reduces the chances of re-offending,” he explained.

“Victims of crime can request that offenders directly repay the harm they have caused by, for example, cleaning off graffiti or repairing damage to property. Such remedies often increase levels of victim satisfaction compared to the court process.”

The survey asks people their views on using the scheme for crimes like vandalism costing less than £250 and antisocial behaviour.

Visit www.wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk to see the survey.