Following a national report which said police "must and can do better" when identifying and responding to anti-social behaviour, Wiltshire and Swindon's police and crime commissioner has reasserted his commitment to tackling the crime.

Concerns were raised about anti-social behaviour being perceived as a "low-level crime by the police, public, and the media" in the PEEL spotlight report, The policing response to anti-social behaviour.

Wiltshire's police and crime commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, said: "In Wiltshire, we are very aware that anti-social behaviour is not a low-level crime.

"For repeat victims, especially, its impact can be overwhelming with no escape from the often-accompanying intimidation, threats, and fear.

Wiltshire’s police and crime commissioner, Philip WilkinsonWiltshire’s police and crime commissioner, Philip Wilkinson (Image: Newsquest)

“Vandalism, street drinking, irresponsible driving and other unacceptable behaviours leave people feeling alarmed, harassed, and ultimately unsafe in their local community."

He highlighted the progress made in Wiltshire and Swindon in recent years to address anti-social behaviour, including the development of an anti-social behaviour toolkit and the publication of a joint Community Remedy.

This is a list of potential consequences first-time and low-level offenders may face, serving as an opportunity for early intervention and diversion.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has also made a successful grant application to the Home Office.

This has funded more than 10,000 hours of additional foot patrols in Swindon and Wiltshire, targeting 10 anti-social behaviour hotspots.

These resources will also support long-term plans to tackle the problem in these areas through the provision of youth work, support to licensed premises, and practical measures such as increased CCTV coverage.

Wiltshire Police's anti-social behaviour hotspot manager, Lianna Bradshaw, said: "Anti-social behaviour is an under-reported crime.

"We are working hard with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to encourage greater trust and confidence from the public and encourage people to report such instances when they occur.

“Our communities should be reassured by the increased visibility of officers on patrol, in addition to anti-social behaviour wardens that we are concerned about the impact that anti-social behaviour has and are proactively taking steps by working with partners to prevent and address instances of anti-social behaviour.

“To those who are not directly affected, anti-social behaviour can be perceived as relatively low level - however we recognise that such behaviours can be hugely impactive on a day-to-day basis for those on the receiving end.

“We take such reports very seriously and are determined to continue working with partnership organisations to tackle this issue."

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