New ASB action plan welcomed by Police and Crime Commissioner

Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed the publication of Wiltshire Police’s refreshed Anti‑Social Behaviour (ASB) Action Plan.

The plan, which has been published online by the Force earlier this month, outlines how the force and its partners will take a more proactive, consistent and problem‑solving approach to preventing, responding to and reducing anti-social behaviour across Wiltshire and Swindon.

It directly supports core priorities within the Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan, including strengthening neighbourhood policing, improving visibility, protecting the vulnerable and ensuring communities feel heard, supported and safe.

PCC Philip Wilkinson said since taking office in 2021 tackling ASB across all communities was one of the most common concerns heard when talking to residents, as well as being a core response across residents surveys. He added he was pleased the Force was committed to ensuring its communities receive the policing service they expect and deserve, with policing reflecting the expectations within communities.

"Anti-social behaviour (ASB) remains one of the most frequently raised concerns across Wiltshire and Swindon and it continues to have a significant impact on the safety, confidence and quality of life of our communities," Mr Wilkinson said.

“ASB is not a minor or isolated issue. For many individuals, particularly repeat victims, it can be deeply distressing and is often accompanied by fear, intimidation and a sustained sense of vulnerability.

“This sense of vulnerability is felt even more acutely in rural and isolated parts of our policing area. Ensuring that rural communities feel safe, supported and connected is therefore a fundamental consideration in our approach.

“We are also alive to those issues within our more urban settings: issues such as vandalism, street drinking, nuisance driving, youth disorder and damage to public spaces undermine community cohesion and erode public confidence.”

The publication of this refreshed ASB Action Plan marks a significant step in delivering the Police and Crime Plan, enhancing neighbourhood policing and ensuring that the issues that matter most to local people continue to be tackled robustly and effectively. The full plan is now available on the Wiltshire Police website.

It also reinforces the commitment to working closely with local authorities, housing associations, Public Health and the voluntary sector, recognising that long‑term ASB reduction depends on coordinated multi‑agency action.

Residents are encouraged to report ASB via 101 or the Wiltshire Police website, 999 in an emergency, local authorities for housing‑related issues, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

The plan also commits to better communication with communities through neighbourhood updates, engagement events, Community Messaging and consistent feedback to those affected.

Mr Wilkinson continued: “In Wiltshire we are very aware that anti‑social behaviour is not a low‑level crime.Its impact can be overwhelming with no escape from the often‑accompanying intimidation, threats and fear.”

“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.”

You can read the full ASB Action Plan here: Anti-Social Behaviou (ASB) Action Plan

Published Wednesday 15 April 2026