Antisocial behaviour 'not a a low-level crime in Wiltshire' says Police and Crime Commissioner

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson has reasserted his commitment to ensuring effective neighbourhood policing following a national report which says police “must and can do better” when identifying and responding to anti-social behaviour.

In a new PEEL spotlight report: ‘The policing response to anti-social behaviour’, published last Thursday by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, concerns were raised about anti-social behaviour being perceived as a “low-level crime by the police, public and the media”.

In Wiltshire, the PCC has stressed that ASB is treated with the severity it should.

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.

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

“Since taking office, anti-social behaviour is one of the most common concerns that I hear when talking to residents and I continue to discuss those concerns with the Chief Constable. We are committed to ensuring  our communities receive the policing service they expect, and deserve, and I am reassured to see the renewed focus on neighbourhood policing under her leadership.

“Significant progress has been made in Wiltshire and Swindon in recent years to address anti-social behaviour. Within my office, Wiltshire Police - and in partnership with local authorities – we have developed  an anti-social behaviour toolkit and we have published our joint Community Remedy to ensure each ASB report is responded to effectively by the most appropriately agency.”

Community Remedy is a list of potential consequences that first-time and low-level offenders may face. It is used as an opportunity for early intervention and diversion when dealing with an adult or child offender who has accepted responsibility for committing antisocial behaviour.

Following a successful grant application by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) to the Home Office, Wiltshire and Swindon’s residents are also benefitting from more than 10,000 hours of additional foot patrols targeting ten antisocial behaviour hotspot areas as well as support to tackle long-term problems in these areas through the provision of youth work, support to licensed premises and practical measures, such as increased CCTV coverage.

Wiltshire Police ASB Hotspot Manager Lianna Bradshaw said: “Anti-social behaviour is an under-reported crime - we are working hard with the OPCC 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 ASB 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, antisocial 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.

“We welcome the HMICFRS recommendations and will incorporate them into our ASB delivery plan.”