Incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Swindon have fallen by 18% over the past three years, according to Swindon Borough Council.
The huge reduction follows a commitment in the council’s Swindon Plan to cut ASB-related crime by 3% each year.
The decrease has been driven by work through Swindon’s Community Safety Partnership, which includes Swindon Borough Council, Wiltshire Police, the NHS Integrated Care Board, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the Probation Service.
Efforts have been supported by the introduction of new community safety wardens, who have been deployed in known problem areas such as Park North, Park South, Walcot East, Old Town, Faringdon Road, the town centre and Broadgreen.
The wardens work both during the day and into the early hours on weekends, sharing intelligence and helping with enforcement.
Council teams have also used Community Protection Notices, Criminal Behaviour Orders and mobile CCTV units to target persistent offenders.
A new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) introduced in the town centre and Broadgreen has led to 30 Fixed Penalty Notices of up to £100 being issued for offences such as e-scooter and e-bike misuse and street drinking.
A further PSPO is being developed to tackle unauthorised car meets, prohibiting the organisation and promotion of such events as well as preventing people from travelling to attend them.
Earlier this year, the Council approved a Community Safety Strategy setting out how it will prioritise reducing domestic abuse, disrupting organised crime and improving safety in the night-time economy over the next three years.
Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, 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.”
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.”
