We currently find ourselves in unprecedented times and I know that many people within our communities are struggling to adapt and to cope with the current restrictions on everyday life.

Of course, the measures announced by the Prime Minister will be more difficult for some than others, but it is crucial that we all adhere to these instructions to protect the most vulnerable people in society, whilst lessening the impact on the NHS frontline and other emergency services. All of these people are doing an admirable job under extremely difficult circumstances and we will be forever indebted to them.

Despite a lot of concern and unsettling news over the past few days, I wanted this week’s blog to focus on the good, because I know there is still a lot of good happening in our communities. The acts of human kindness are what we should be focusing on during these difficult times.

Mothering Sunday, for example, was especially difficult for many people this year – particularly those whose loved ones are elderly or unwell, and this may have been the last Mother’s Day they could spend together. However, I’ve been touched to hear of the many different and creative ways families have been finding to show their relatives how much they care from doorstep packages, to videos outside nursing homes.

It is not in our nature to stay home for such a long period of time, and being restricted on when we can leave the house is something we never thought we would experience as a nation. I have, however, been encouraged by the news from local officers that we have not seen many incidents of people flouting the rules here in Wiltshire so I would like to thank you, the community, for staying home and helping to stop the fast transmission of this virus.

Earlier this week, the Force appealed to the community for help in providing spare hand sanitiser for our frontline police officers and staff. We were overwhelmed by offers to help from local shops, residents and businesses with large amounts dropped off at Headquarters by Dauntsey School.

The Force has also received a high number of offers from retired officers to come back and support policing teams during these difficult times. The Force is currently looking at how to best utilise their experience. This, combined with the addition of an extra 37 recently qualified officers, makes me feel extremely confident that Wiltshire residents will be provided with an excellent service they can rely on during the weeks and months ahead.

I have no doubt that there is a long road ahead, and it is more important than ever before that we continue to look out for each other in ways that are safe to do so. That may mean writing a simple letter to friends, picking up the phone and calling relatives – especially those who live alone and could go weeks without seeing anybody.

I will continue to work closely with the Chief Constable to provide you with timely updates on how local policing in your area will be impacted, and I would advise you all to ensure you are keeping up to date with guidance daily.

Please stay home and stay well.