Introducing the new Inspector for Trowbridge, Melksham and Bradford on Avon

Hello, my name is Lou Oakley, and I am the new Inspector for the Trowbridge and Warminster Neighbourhood Policing Team.

I have served with Wiltshire Police for 20 years, having joined in 2006 as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO). Throughout my career, I have worked across a range of departments, including Response Policing, Neighbourhood Policing and the Police Support Unit (PSU), a specialised unit trained to an advanced tactical level in public order and riot control.

For the past two and a half years, I have been an NPT Inspector in Warminster. On 22 June 2026, my area was expanded to include Trowbridge, Melksham and Bradford on Avon. I am also the Force Tactical Lead for Stop and Search and have recently completed my Firearms Tactical Commander's Course.

My passion is frontline policing. I firmly believe that tackling the root causes of crime can make a real difference in our communities while helping to build trust and confidence in policing. I also recognise that policing cannot solve crime alone, which is why I value working closely with partner agencies to develop long-term problem-solving approaches.

Based on policing demand, crime data and feedback from our communities, the current priorities for my neighbourhood policing team are:

✅ Anti-social behaviour in Trowbridge town centre
✅ Crime associated with the town centre
✅ Shoplifting
✅ Road safety

My immediate focus is addressing crime and anti-social behaviour in Trowbridge town centre. On 2 July 2026, I met with members of Trowbridge Town Council and Wiltshire Council's Anti-Social Behaviour Team to discuss ongoing concerns. Together, we carried out a walkaround of the town centre to identify issues and agree on the next steps.

A clear plan is already in place to tackle these concerns, but we need your support. We are asking residents, businesses and visitors to report all incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour. Wiltshire Council, supported by Wiltshire Police, is looking to begin the process of introducing a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), and evidence from reported incidents will play a vital role in supporting this.

We are your police service, and we need your help. If you see something suspicious, please tell us. If you see one of my officers out and about, stop and say hello. If you would like our team to attend a community event or speak to a local group, please contact us at:

📧 TrowbridgeAreaNPT@wiltshire.police.uk

To report crime or anti-social behaviour:

📞 101
💻 Report online via Wiltshire Police
📧 asb@wiltshire.gov.uk (Wiltshire Council Anti-Social Behaviour Team)

Always call 999 if someone is seriously injured, at immediate risk, or there is an urgent threat to public safety.

I look forward to working with our communities and partners to make Trowbridge, Warminster, Melksham and Bradford on Avon safer places to live, work and visit.

Inspector Lou Oakley
Trowbridge and Warminster Neighbourhood Policing Team