Police and Crime Commissioner urges antisocial behaviour victims to get the help they need

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson says that continuing to reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Wiltshire and Swindon remains one of his key priorities following a rise in the number of people accessing services from Victim Support.

The charity, which receives funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), reported a 66% year on year increase in the number anti-social behaviour cases they dealt with when comparing 2023/24 (79 cases) to 2024/25 (131 cases).

In contrast, reports of anti-social behaviour in Wiltshire and Swindon is decreasing at a rate of -10.3% year on year.

Earlier this year, the OPCC secured an extra £1Million in funding from the Home Office to tackle antisocial behaviour and continue the ASB Hotspot scheme.

As a result, residents in Wiltshire and Swindon have seen increased police visibility in areas where antisocial behaviour and serious violence are most prevalent, with more than 2,400 hours of additional patrols undertaken by officers and PCSOs in eleven parts of the county since May 2024.

In Swindon, there have been more patrols in Park South, Old Town, Penhill, Princes Street, Town Centre , while in Wiltshire, there are extra patrols in Calne Town Centre North, Chippenham Borough Parade, Devizes Town Centre, Salisbury City Centre, Trowbridge Town Centre. 

Mr Wilkinson said:

“The figures which show a decrease in the number of people reporting ASB to Wiltshire Police is encouraging, but that doesn’t mean our residents aren’t reporting non-criminal ASB to other agencies or are seeking support without reporting.

“We know ASB can have a hugely damaging effect on those who witness or experience it, and when it becomes persistent, the impact on communities can be devastating.

“My office provides funding for Victim Support, and it’s important that anyone who is being affected by anti-social behaviour is aware that help is available to them.

“Tackling anti-social remains a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan and we’re focused on having a visible police presence, with officers and PCSOs working in these hotspot areas to provide reassurance and act as a clear deterrent.

“Of course, the police don’t always have the right powers to tackle every ASB issue — for example, local authorities handle noise nuisance — so it’s vital that agencies work together to address the root causes and to do that effectively, we need people to report antisocial behaviour so we can take action."

As part of ASB Awareness Week, which runs from Monday 30 June – Sunday 6 July, officers from Wiltshire Police, representatives from the OPCC and partners agencies such as the Wiltshire Council, Swindon Borough Council, Citizens Advice and Neighbourhood Watch will be travelling across the county to hear from residents and talk to them about anti-social behaviour.

You can find them at the following locations:

Mon 30^th –

Amesbury (Aldi) 0930-1200:  Salisbury Rd, Amesbury, Salisbury SP4 7HD

Bemerton Heath Centre 1300-1500: 58-60 Pinewood Way, Salisbury SP2 9HU

Tues 1^st –

0930-1230: Warminster Morrisons,  Weymouth St, Warminster BA12 9NJ  

1330-1500: Wicker Hill, Trowbridge BA14 8JS

Weds 2^nd –

0900-1100: Asda, Swindon Orbital SN25 4BG

1200-1330: Broadgreen Community Centre, Salisbury St, Swindon SN1 2AN

1400-1530: Cavendish Square, Whitbourne Ave, Swindon SN3 2GD

Thurs 3^rd –

0900-1200: Devizes Market Place

1330-1530: High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett (next to the Town Hall Museum) SN4 7AU

Fri 4^th –

0900-1100: Phelps Parade, Calne SN11 0HA

1200-1500: Chippenham High Street SN15 3ER

Jenn Holton is the Neighbourhood Harm Reduction Lead for Wiltshire Police:

“ASB hotspot patrols have shown to be an effective way of helping to reduce crime and the feedback we’ve heard from local communities in these areas has been encouraging, with many welcoming a greater police presence in their neighbourhoods.

“By continuing these patrols, we aim to provide visible reassurance and help deter criminal behaviour where it’s needed most.

“The work we’re doing with our partners make a real difference to people’s lives.

“It could mean a teenager feeling safe walking home from school, a shop owner no longer worrying about damage to their business, or a family enjoying their local high street without fear of trouble.”

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has launched a new section of its website dedicated to anti-social behaviour Anti-Social Behaviour, where you can find links to report ASB and access Victim Support if you are a victim of anti-social behaviour.

Rebecca Richardson is the Wiltshire Area Manager for Victim Support:

“Antisocial behaviour can have an impact on you, your home and your community.

If you’re experiencing antisocial behaviour you don’t have to cope on your own, Victim Support can help even if the police aren’t involved”

If you’ve been affected by anti-social behaviour, you can call your local victim care team in Wiltshire on 0808 281 0113.

Lines are open 9am to 5pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 9am to 7pm Tuesday and Thursday.

If you need support outside of opening hours, call the Victim Support Supportline for free on 0808 16 89 111.

Published Monday 30 June 2025