"The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) has just celebrated its second anniversary and the festive season has now arrived, which traditionally is a time of both celebration and reflection.

"I’m very pleased with the work my office has done in establishing my Police and Crime Plan in Wiltshire and Swindon. During this past year we have invested in the rollout and piloting of new technology to support frontline officers, we have recruited police officers and Police Community Support Officers and we have undertaken the co-location of some Neighbourhood Policing Teams with council colleagues.

"The changes that have been made in the past year have been to ensure that Wiltshire Police can continue to meet the challenge of reducing budgets.

"Austerity will continue, with savings of £3 - 4 million required during 2015/16 and a further £7.8 million in savings forecast between 2016-18 for Wiltshire Police.

"I remain committed to working with the Chief Constable on the transformation plans the Force has in place so that we can continue to protect frontline resources.

"My office is not just about the police. I am very pleased with some of the other initiatives that have been undertaken by my office during the last year. For example, we commissioned community engagement schemes such as Community Speed Watch and Community Messaging which has helped communities get involved with local policing matters. Furthermore my Innovation Fund has helped support and expand local charities and organisations, which help met my Police and Crime Plan objectives.

"Wiltshire and Swindon is one of the safest counties in the country and I feel very proud to be Police and Crime Commissioner, representing the public within this beautiful county.

"I hope that every resident will enjoy a safe and peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year."

Angus Macpherson