VICTIMS of crime in Wiltshire are to have the chance to shape the policies of the Police and Crime Commissioner in a major consultation exercise launched on Monday.

Angus Macpherson is asking victims to tell him about their experience of Wiltshire Police and other criminal justice service providers.

He said: “One of my key priorities is putting victims at the heart of the criminal justice process and improving services for victims and witnesses alike.

“As part of the changes which brought in Police and Crime Commissioners across England and Wales, the Government has transferred responsibility for the commissioning of many victim services to PCCs. “That budget needs to be spent carefully and in a way that will bring about long-lasting improvements to the care and support received by victims and witnesses as they go through the criminal justice system.

“The feedback I receive from victims will help me to produce a strategy that will run like a golden thread through all my commissioning decisions.

“It is important to stress that I am defining victims in the very broadest sense: not just those who have gone through the criminal justice system. "Victims can be whole communities, if, for example, a valued community asset is stolen or wrecked. Victims can also be the owners and employees of a business that has suffered financial loss through crime or antisocial behaviour.”

Victims’ Voice consultations will take place in Swindon and Wiltshire during February and March with the help of the charity Victim Support.

The focus of the discussions will be on gaps in the support system, and on how to improve the services received from the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, support services and their local council.

To contirubte, visit wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk. The online consultation runs until March 10.