Wiltshire treating anti-social behaviour with severity it deserves, says PCC
Police forces have been told they 'can and must do more' on anti-social behaviour
Police Forces across the country have been told to make tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) a top priority by the Police Inspectorate.
In a new, national PEEL report His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said Police “must and can do better” to combat the issue.
It also raised concerns that ASB is perceived as as a “low-level crime by the police, public and the media”.
Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, has reassured us that Wiltshire Police treat ASB with the severity it deserves.
The PCC said it's one of the most common concerns he's told about by the public: “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.
Mr Wilkinson is urging us to report crimes when they happen, asking for us to have faith in the improving Force and that reports will be dealt with.
He told Greatest Hits Radio that Wiltshire officers are always striving to be better.
“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 and is used as an opportunity for early intervention and diversion when dealing with an adult or child offender who has accepted responsibility in committing anti-social behaviour.