PCC visits Swindon CCTV control room to see progress on reducing anti-social behaviour

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson visited Swindon’s CCTV control room last week for an update on how previous Safer Streets funding has supported efforts to reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB) and make Swindon town centre safer.

He was joined by Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, Councillor Jim Grant, for a tour and discussion on the ongoing impact of the partnership.

Swindon’s extensive CCTV system, operated by Swindon Borough Council, comprises more than 1,100 cameras. While the Council manages the control room, it works closely with Wiltshire Police to ensure footage is used to respond swiftly to incidents and gather vital evidence. This collaborative approach is central to tackling ASB and supporting a safer night-time economy (NTE).

The installation of cameras in the Broadgreen area was made possible through previous rounds of the Safer Streets initiative, coordinated locally by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).

In August 2025 alone, the CCTV team identified 178 incidents and, so far this year, more than 800 incidents have been identified, reported and managed in partnership with Wiltshire Police.

Mr Wilkinson said: “CCTV plays a vital role in helping Wiltshire Police and partner agencies respond to these challenges. It allows officers to monitor public spaces in real time, respond quickly to emerging incidents, gather evidence which supports investigations, reassure residents and deter criminal behaviour.

“In many cases, CCTV footage has been the key to identifying suspects, protecting vulnerable individuals and even preventing crimes before they escalate.

“It is part of a wider commitment to community safety and works hand-in-hand with neighbourhood policing, community engagement and local partnerships to create environments where people feel secure and supported.

“This visit was a valuable opportunity to see the system in action and to discuss ongoing challenges and how we can continue making Wiltshire and Swindon safer.”

Councillor Grant said: “We were pleased to welcome the Police and Crime Commissioner into our CCTV control room, to highlight the essential work that our team carries out behind the scenes.

“With over 1,100 cameras monitored around the clock, our team plays a key role in keeping Swindon safe, supporting police operations, responding swiftly to incidents

and providing critical evidence to help reduce anti-social behaviour across the borough.

“This spirit of collaboration is central to our ongoing work in creating a fairer Swindon, where every resident can feel safe within the local community.”