18 months on from the launch of an initiative designed to make Swindon’s streets safer, the public are being encouraged to play their part in deterring anti-social behaviour.
More than 1,100 cases of anti-social behaviour were reported to Swindon Borough Council in the last six months, including to five community safety wardens funded by Wiltshire Police.
The wardens have been patrolling and five trouble spots – Faringdon Road, Park North and South, Old Town and Walcot East – as well as their surrounding areas every day since August thanks to a £180,000 grant.
Four ‘Safer Streets’ wardens with some policing powers had previously been employed by the council in June 2023 with the intention of deterring anti-social behaviour.
While the presence of the wardens has aided the public in reporting offences, there is still uncertainty in more vulnerable areas as to what the measures have done.
One shopworker within one of the identified hotspots said: “I haven’t seen any improvement in this issue in the last few years.
"We have started to close the shop several hours earlier because any trouble caused generally comes later.”
They also said they hadn’t seen a visible increase in patrols or police presence since the wardens were implemented.
“We are left to call 101 if any incidents occur, where you are then just put on hold for half an hour waiting until someone speaks to you, by which time it is too late for anything to be done.”
Others have noticed the wardens’ presence as a step in the right direction, but think more action needs to be taken.
One Swindon shopper said: “The street wardens are definitely visible and I often see them in residential and town areas. I don’t think they make a huge difference but it makes me feel a tiny bit more safe as at least it’s something.
“The police are mainly just on the roads in cars, more police are needed on foot or on bikes to act as a stronger deterrent on the streets.
“I’m not sure what a warden would be able to do if a serious crime was occurring.”
The council have introduced an online reporting system via their website to make it easier for people to report anti-social behaviour affecting their communities.
As part of National Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week this week, the wardens have hosted a series of events alongside the council’s Anti-Social Behaviour officers and Housing Enforcement officers to highlight anti-social behaviour issues and encourage community reporting.
Dean Tilling, one of the Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour officers, said: “Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week is a chance to highlight the work we do all year round to make Swindon a better place to live.
“For us, it’s about building relationships with residents, working together to identify issues, and ensuring they know how to reach out for support. Each case we resolve is another step towards a stronger, safer Swindon.”
Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “Our Anti-Social Behaviour officers are a lifeline for many residents who may be facing disruptive or unsafe situations in their neighbourhoods.
“The team’s work not only helps resolve individual cases but also builds a sense of safety and resilience within our communities. Their commitment to Swindon’s residents makes a tangible difference every day.
“We’re asking residents to support their work, by reporting any incidents of anti-social behaviour either directly to the Council or via the relevant agency.”
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