More anti-social behaviour victims seeking help
It comes as reports of anti-social behaviour are down in the last year
The number of Wiltshire people turning to a support charity for victims of anti-social behaviour is rising, according to the organisation's figures.
Victim Support, which is partly funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), says it's recorded a 66% increase in anti-social behaviour cases in the last year.
The charity says it recorded 79 in 2023/24 and 131 in 2024/25.
It comes despite an decrease in reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Wiltshire, which are down 10.3% year on year.
Earlier this year, a million pounds of funding was secured by the OPCC to tackle anti-social behaviour and the keep the ASB Hotspot scheme going.
It's led to higher police visibility in areas where ASB and serious violence are prevalent in the county, with over 2,400 hours of extra patrols being made by officers and PCSO's across the county since May last year.
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson continues to place a high importance on tackling ASB and is urging victims to seek the help they need.
He 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."
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”
This week (30th June - 6th July) is ASB Awareness Week, with the Police, OPCC and their partner agencies travelling across the county to hear from people and speak to them about anti-social behaviour.
On Monday, they visited Aldi in Amesbury and the Bemerton Heath Centre. We can find them at the following locations later this week.
Tues 1st July
0930-1230: Warminster Morrisons, Weymouth St, Warminster BA12 9NJ
1330-1500: Wicker Hill, Trowbridge BA14 8JS
Weds 2nd July
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 3rd July
0900-1200: Devizes Market Place
1330-1530: High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett (next to the Town Hall Museum) SN4 7AU
Fri 4th July
0900-1100: Phelps Parade, Calne SN11 0HA
1200-1500: Chippenham High Street SN15 3ER