Extra officers drafted in to support fight against anti-social behaviour in the town centre
Wiltshire Police has increased the number of police officers on patrol in the town centre to help support the fight against anti-social behaviour in the area.
Published: Monday, 25th March 2024
Following the departure of the Home Office-funded Safety Wardens earlier this month, there will be an additional two officers in the town centre to support residents and local businesses and deter anti-social behaviour.
To further bolster the police presence, two additional anti-social behaviour officers from Swindon Borough Council will also work with Wiltshire Police to deal with residents’ complaints of anti-social behaviour in Swindon.
The Council’s officers have a range of enforcement powers, but will be focused on preventing incidents from escalating into bigger issues, by intervening earlier and encouraging people to change their behaviour.
Officers have been working closely with Wiltshire Police’s Neighbourhood team and other council departments such as Licensing and Trading Standards.
The team has also recruited an anti-social behaviour apprentice who, alongside supporting the ASB officers, will be completing a Level 4 BTEC in Anti-social Behaviour and Community Safety delivered by national ASB training provider, Resolve ASB.
Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Joint Working, said: “We know there are issues in the town centre and we want to help make it an environment that people want to live, work and socialise in.
“While it’s a shame the funding for our Safety Wardens came to an end, I’m very happy we’ve replaced them with officers that will have the power to step in where necessary.
“I have every faith that our new ASB officers and the additional officers from Wiltshire Police will have a positive impact on the area.
“If anyone sees any anti-social behaviour, it’s important that it’s reported to the right people. Incidents can be reported to us on our website, but if there is a crime being committed, these should be reported to the police as soon as possible.”
Temporary Inspector Winter from Wiltshire Police, said: “The Central South Swindon Neighbourhood team is working closely with Swindon Borough Council, in particular we regularly work with the anti-social behaviour officers.
“PC Thapa and PC Barreto have joined existing officers PC Bezzant, PCSO Jefferies and PCSO Sims to help police Swindon Town Centre.
“We’re committed to driving down crime and ASB in the area and will work hard with the Council to do this.’’