Government funding withdrawal threatens progress on antisocial behaviour and serious violence

The Government’s decision to withdraw dedicated funding for antisocial behaviour and serious violence hotspots after March 2026 is, in my view, short‑sighted and not in the best interests of our local communities. Over the past two years, more than £1 million of targeted investment each year has supported increased police visibility, street warden patrols and a range of partnership initiatives focused on prevention and early intervention.

 This funding has enabled us to place officers and wardens precisely where they are needed most. As I’ve said before, by directing resources to known problem areas we’ve been able to ensure earlier interventions, provide community reassurance, and work with partners to address the root causes of antisocial behaviour and serious violence rather than just the symptoms.

The results of this approach are clear. Since the fund was introduced, reports of antisocial behaviour have fallen by 20% across Wiltshire and Swindon—over 2,300 fewer incidents. Swindon has seen a 19% reduction, while Wiltshire has seen a 21% drop. Initiatives such as Taxi Marshalls, Street Wardens, Night Angels and enhanced CCTV have strengthened community confidence and eased pressure on frontline policing. 

This is the impact of evidence led, targeted prevention. These improvements were delivered not by policing alone, but through effective collaboration with local authorities, charities and community groups. Reducing crime has never been something policing can achieve alone. 

The decision to withdraw this funding risks unravelling that progress. It leaves communities vulnerable to issues we have worked hard to reduce. We have shown that investment in targeted initiatives delivers real results, which makes this short sighted decision by the Government staggering and certainly not in the best interests of our residents, and I fear this is the start of them stripping away the voice and needs of our local communities as they move towards centralising police services and merging force areas. 

Long term challenges demand long term solutions. Without continued funding, the thousands of additional patrol hours, made up of police officer overtime and street wardens, delivered each year are at risk, along with the momentum we’ve built. We want these reductions to continue, and for communities to keep feeling the benefit, but without continued funding for hotspot patrols and prevention work, there is a genuine risk that the progress achieved so far could begin to reverse. 

Despite the setback, our commitment to community safety remains steadfast. Neighbourhood policing teams, local councils and our partners will continue to prioritise visibility and support for residents. My office will now assess the implications of this funding withdrawal and explore alternative options to protect and sustain the progress made. 

We know what works, and our communities have seen the benefits first hand. I will continue to advocate for the resources and local decision making needed to ensure Wiltshire and Swindon remain safe and supported.