A drop in antisocial behaviour and domestic abuse related offences has been highlighted in Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson’s annual report which summarises progress made over the past year to make Wiltshire safer.
The report highlights a 16.6% drop in anti-social behaviour incidents in 2023/2024 compared to 2022/2023, as well as a 13.4% reduction in in domestic abuse related crimes, observed across all Neighbourhood Policing Team areas in the same time frame. It also includes a general progress update and summary of continued engagements, media coverage, events and finances.
The report, which includes an overview of his four priorities and progress made against them to the Police and Crime Panel this week.
Mr Wilkinson said: “Since my last report, I have been re-elected to the role of Police and Crime Commissioner following a shorter term than usual, due to the delay of the previous election during the covid-19 pandemic.
“However, all that has been achieved during the 2023/24 year across all areas - and before the election -and I’m really pleased to see a drop in anti-social behavior rates as I know from speaking with residents that this crime type causes huge concern within communities.
“The reduction in domestic abuse incidents and violent crime that we have seen is also good progress, as this has been an area of focus with the introduction of the Serious Violence Duty in January last year.
“However, as always, there is more work to be done and my focus has been – and will now continue through the next four years – to support Wiltshire Police as it continues its improvement journey and delivering upon my mission of Making Wiltshire Safer.”
Another key milestone outlined in the Annual Report is Wiltshire Police being brought out of the Engage process in the latest His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Service (HMICFRS) Inspection.
Mr. Wilkinson added: “Both the Chief Constable and I have approached the milestones of being brought out of the HMICFRS Engage process - or special measures as it’s known - with cautious optimism.
“It has been a joint priority of Wiltshire Police -and my office - to ensure significant, and sustainable, reform across all areas of the organisation to provide a stable foundation for further necessary improvements.
“It was also vital we ensured the Force functioned strategically but was also able to deliver the policing service it knows it should - and which our residents want and need. I join the Chief in her aspiration for Wiltshire Police to be an outstanding policing service in future years.”
The report also goes on to explain how a new Police and Crime is being developed with input from Wiltshire residents after an extensive public consultation period.
Mr. Wilkinson continued: “Later this year, we will introduce a refreshed and streamlined Police and Crime Plan for 2025-29, centered on the priorities you have shared through our recent public survey, my community engagements, and general feedback.
“Together, Wiltshire Police and my office are making significant strides in various areas of policing, commissioned services and victim support, and I am confident that, in collaboration with Chief Constable Roper and her team, we will not only continue to make Wiltshire safer but also help you, our residents, truly feel that safety within your communities.”
You can find out more and read the full Annual Report here.
