SWINDON is still a safe place to live but people must take care when out at night, according to the town’s top policeman.

Chief Supt Steve Hedley thanked the town for its help during the five-day hunt for 22-year-old Sian O’Callaghan and said that it was a “team effort”.

Speaking at press conference yesterday, Mr Hedley paid tribute to public support after what has been a “very difficult week”.

He said: “Cases such as this are very rare in Swindon and Wiltshire as a whole.

“We are very grateful for the support of the public and hope that the positive relationship between the local community and police continues.

“Despite the rarity of cases such as this, it is important for the public to adhere to personal safety advice when out late at night.

“Some basic measures you can take to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime include: “Always make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you will be home.

“Stick with friends when you are out and about.

“Try not to walk alone.

“When walking with friends, stick to well lit, busy areas and never be tempted to take short cuts through quiet or unlit areas.”

The man leading the double murder inquiry Det Supt Steve Fulcher echoed Mr Hedley’s sentiment at an earlier conference.

He said: “The public and the media have been a fantastic help in the desperate effort to find Sian over the last few days. This has of course been a fast-paced inquiry.”

During the hunt for Sian, hundreds of people helped joined the police search as they combed Savernake Forest – the last point at which police could trace her mobile phone. Members of the public also put up thousands of missing person posters in and around Swindon and organised leaflet drops.