Antisocial behaviour is a common problem within town and city centre locations. As well as being unpleasant for visitors and residents, it has the potential to adversely impact on footfall, the revenue of local retailers and more broadly, on the reputation of the area.
Our award-winning City Centre Security Officers – also known as Town or City Centre Rangers – have been active in several locations, including Andover, Winchester, Salisbury, Basingstoke and Fareham since 2017. We also serve Southampton, Amesbury, Eastleigh, Portsmouth, Devizes and beyond.
Working closely with both councils and Business Improvement Districts, one of the most important roles our officers play is to sit at the heart of local partnership initiatives, liaising between and reporting back to stakeholders, such as the council, police and local business community.
All our officers are provided with a uniform and smartly dressed. They do not look like police officers but are clearly identifiable as fulfilling an enforcement role. They can deal directly with a defined range of antisocial issues, managing them professionally and effectively – and as required, escalating and reporting anything relevant to the appropriate authorities.
Officers will usually conduct their patrols in pairs and be trained in areas including conflict management, first aid and mental health first aid and crime scene management. They are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year and at any time of the day.
All customers are provided with daily electronic reports and have regular meetings with our team, to review and update on our officer’s progress.
Venture Security was one of the first security providers to be granted powers under the Home Office Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) – something we’ve now achieved in both Hampshire and Wiltshire. This means our accredited officers have additional, low-level police powers.
This means our accredited officers have additional, low-level police powers.
Power to require giving of name and address
Power to require name and address for antisocial behaviour
Power to require persons aged under 18 to surrender alcohol
Power to seize tobacco from a person aged under 16
Power to deal with begging
Our City Centre Security Officers are SIA-licensed personnel trained to provide a visible, reassuring presence in urban areas. Their role includes deterring and responding to antisocial behaviour, engaging with the public, supporting vulnerable individuals, liaising with stakeholders, and contributing to a safer, more welcoming city centre environment.
While our officers are not a replacement for police, they serve as an effective complementary service. They focus on early intervention, visibility, and de-escalation, allowing the police and council enforcement teams to focus on more serious or resource-intensive matters. Our officers are trained to handle low-level ASB, provide intelligence, and signpost individuals to relevant services.
These titles such as City Centre Security Officers, Marshals, Rangers, ASB Officers, and Community Wardens are often used interchangeably depending on the location, local authority, or funding body. While the terminology may vary, the core function remains the same: providing a visible, proactive presence to address antisocial behaviour, support public safety, and enhance the experience of those living, working, and visiting the area.
At Venture, we tailor our service name and delivery model to suit the needs and identity of each community we support. Whether you’re seeking engagement-led marshals, enforcement-focused officers, or a hybrid approach, we provide a consistent, professional service aligned with your strategic goals.
Our officers are equipped to handle a wide range of urban challenges, including:
Antisocial behaviour (e.g., public drinking, loitering, verbal abuse)
Business-related concerns (e.g., aggressive begging, shoplifting)
Street-attached persons needing welfare or support
Public reassurance during events or peak times
Coordinating with emergency services when necessary
While many of our clients are local councils and Police and Crime Commissioners, we also work with Business Improvement Districts, private landowners, and partnerships involving multiple stakeholders. If you’re unsure whether your organisation qualifies, please contact us – we’re happy to advise.
Corporate Security Services
