Swindon’s efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve community safety have taken a major step forward with the launch of a renewed three-year strategy by the town’s Community Safety Partnership (CSP). The newly published plan sets out a united approach from key local agencies to curb crime, support the vulnerable and make residents feel safer in their neighbourhoods.
The strategy highlights several focus areas, including the ongoing battle against domestic abuse, disrupting organised crime networks, and enhancing safety within the town’s night-time economy. Violence against women and girls also remains high on the agenda.
Swindon CSP – made up of Swindon Borough Council, Wiltshire Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the NHS Integrated Care Board, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the Probation Service – is legally bound to work together on local safety issues. The strategy reflects their shared commitment to turning bold plans into meaningful change.
Among the achievements from the previous plan is the establishment of a multi-agency forum tackling persistent anti-social behaviour, and an offender panel that has overseen Criminal Behaviour Orders being issued to deter repeat offenders.
The results are starting to show. The Council has pledged through its Swindon Plan to reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB) year on year by at least three per cent. Encouragingly, figures suggest a sharper drop – with ASB-related incidents falling by 10 per cent between 2023 and 2024.
Funding from the Home Office’s Safer Streets initiative has also played a part, enabling the introduction of Community Safety Wardens in areas most affected by disruptive behaviour.
Speaking about the new strategy, Councillor Jim Grant, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “Everyone in Swindon should feel safe where they live. We’ve made a strong start by significantly exceeding our first-year ASB reduction target, but there’s still more to do. This new strategy lays out a joined-up plan to address the root causes of crime and build fairer, safer communities across the Borough.”
Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson echoed that sentiment, stressing that ASB is far from a minor issue. “For repeat victims, it can be deeply damaging – leading to fear, intimidation and anxiety. While the drop in ASB is welcome, it doesn’t mean we can take our foot off the pedal. Working with our partners, we’ll continue funding local schemes like street wardens and PL Kicks to keep the momentum going.”
Chief Inspector Carly Nesbitt, responsible for neighbourhood policing in Swindon, added:
“ASB might be labelled a low-level crime by some, but for those affected, it’s often anything but. Whether it’s individuals feeling unsafe in their homes or businesses losing custom due to disruptive behaviour nearby, the impact is very real. This partnership approach will help us tackle it head-on.”
The refreshed strategy promises more collaborative interventions, smarter use of data and a clear line of accountability among partner agencies. As Swindon grows, so too does the need for focused, cooperative action – and this plan signals that key players are determined to work together to meet that challenge.
