Levels of ASB in Swindon fall by nearly a fifth in three years
A coordinated effort by Swindon’s Community Safety Partnership is credited with delivering the decline
Levels of anti-social behaviour in Swindon have fallen by 18 per cent over the past three years, according to figures linked to the Swindon Plan.
Swindon Borough Council had committed to reducing anti-social behaviour-reported crime by three per cent each year in its Swindon Plan.
A coordinated effort by Swindon’s Community Safety Partnership is credited with delivering the decline, alongside interventions by Swindon Borough Council.
Tackling hotspots
The Council has recruited community safety wardens to focus on known hotspots such as Park North, Park South, Walcot East, Old Town, Faringdon Road, Broadgreen, and Swindon town centre. These wardens operate throughout the day and into the early hours at weekends, contributing intelligence and enforcement actions.
Other measures used to target anti-social behaviour include deployable mobile CCTV units, Community Protection Notices, and Criminal Behaviour Orders.
Public Spaces Protection Orders
The Council introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covering the town centre and Broadgreen, allowing enforcement teams to issue Fixed Penalty Notices of up to ÂŁ100 for breaches of the order.
Common issues tackled under this PSPO include street drinking and the riding of e-bikes or e-scooters.
Swindon Neighbourhood Inspector, David Tippetts said: "The PSPO has been a welcome addition in the town centre and Broadgreen, providing additional powers to seize alcohol and advise people to cease anti-social behaviour, as well as the further opportunity to issue fines where deemed appropriate.
"Working in partnership with Swindon Borough Council and our partners is essential in order to reduce crime and ASB."
A new PSPO is set to launch to ban people from organising or promoting unauthorised car meets, and prohibit travel to such events in vehicles intended to participate.
A long-term strategy
Earlier this year, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet approved a three-year Community Safety Strategy to prioritise tackling domestic abuse, disrupting organised crime, and improving safety within the night-time economy.
The Community Safety Partnership has also strengthened, introducing new working groups to enhance coordination efforts.
Councillor Jim Grant, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships at Swindon Borough Council, said: "This sustained fall in ASB cases shows that our joined-up approach is delivering real, measurable improvements for the people of Swindon. Over the past three years we’ve been working even more closely with Wiltshire Police, strengthened our community outreach and have taken firm action where necessary through measures like the new PSPO.
"The fines issued send a clear message that the limited amount of disruptive behaviour we see in our town centre will not be tolerated. But more importantly, they demonstrate that when we combine prevention, engagement and enforcement, we create safer, more welcoming spaces for everyone.
"We’re proud of the progress made so far and will continue to build on this momentum to ensure our communities feel supported and protected."