Wiltshire Police urge people to consider ‘unfair’ behaviour
They have been seeing rising levels of anti-social behaviour since 2023
Wiltshire Police are calling on people to consider the effect their behaviour can have on others.
It comes as they have seen increased numbers of reports of anti-social behaviour in several towns across the county.
As a result, Salisbury and Devizes had a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) put in place in 2024 and a consultation for the installation of such an order is currently running in Chippenham.
Officer Aimee Jenkins said: “It’s really important that people understand the consequences of their actions and how they are making other people around them feel.
“If you’re out in the town centre with your family, do you want to hear people shouting and swearing or see them urinating?
We don’t – so you just need to consider how you are appearing to the people around you and how your behaviour can be unfair on them”.
According to Officer Jenkins, who works on the Chippenham Neighbourhood Policing Team, anti-social behaviour has not only been causing issues for the public but also on businesses as they received a notable number of reports of shoplifting as a result.
Until now, they have been issuing civil orders for those members of the public causing trouble, but a PSPO would help them tackle anti-social behaviour long-term.
Officer Jenkins said the measure has been successful in other places in Wiltshire.
“The feedback from Devizes and Salisbury that have PSPOs has been really positive. It’s given them more tools to tackle the problems and we’re hoping to have the same”.
The consultation in Chippenham is open until 2 March.
Anyone noticing anti-social behaviour in Wiltshire can report the issue online, contact their local Neighbourhood Policing Team or call 101.
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