In response to growing concerns over anti-social behaviour in Swindon’s town centre, Wiltshire Police has deployed additional officers to bolster patrols in the area. This move comes in the wake of the recent departure of Home Office-funded Safety Wardens earlier this month, leaving a gap that requires swift intervention.
With a keen focus on supporting residents and local businesses while deterring anti-social behaviour, two extra police officers will now be on duty in the town centre. To further fortify the police presence, Swindon Borough Council has allocated two additional anti-social behaviour officers to collaborate with Wiltshire Police in addressing residents’ complaints.
The council’s officers possess a range of enforcement powers but will primarily concentrate on early intervention to prevent incidents from escalating. By encouraging behavioural changes and intervening proactively, the aim is to mitigate potential disruptions to community life.
Collaboration is key in this endeavour, with officers closely liaising with Wiltshire Police’s Neighbourhood team alongside other council departments such as Licensing and Trading Standards. Moreover, the team has welcomed an anti-social behaviour apprentice, who will support the ASB officers while pursuing a Level 4 BTEC in Anti-social Behaviour and Community Safety, facilitated by national ASB training provider, Resolve ASB.
Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Joint Working, expressed his determination to address the town centre’s issues, stating, “We are aware of the challenges facing the town centre, and our priority is to create an environment where residents feel safe to live, work, and socialise. Although the funding for our Safety Wardens has ceased, I am confident that the newly deployed officers will play a pivotal role in maintaining public safety.”
Grant talked about the importance of reporting anti-social behaviour promptly, urging residents to utilise the council’s website for non-emergency incidents and to contact the police immediately in case of criminal activities.
Temporary Inspector Winter from Wiltshire Police echoed Grant’s sentiments, affirming the force’s commitment to combatting crime and anti-social behaviour in Swindon. Winter highlighted the collaborative efforts between the police and Swindon Borough Council, underscoring the joint mission to enhance community safety.
PC Thapa and PC Barreto have joined the existing officers, PC Bezzant, PCSO Jefferies, and PCSO Sims, in patrolling Swindon Town Centre. Together, they pledge to diligently work towards reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, ensuring a safer environment for all.
