A DECISION to withdraw dedicated funding aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violence hotspots has been slammed by Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

The funding, first awarded by the Home Office in 2024, has provided Wiltshire with an additional £1 million over the past two years to increase police visibility, expand street warden patrols and support partnership-led initiatives across the county.

However, the Home Office has confirmed the funding will end after March, placing an estimated 16,000 additional patrol hours carried out by police officers and street wardens during 2025 at risk.

Since the introduction of the funding, reports of antisocial behaviour to police have fallen by 17% across the county.

In Swindon, reports dropped by 21%, while Wiltshire saw an 18% reduction.

The investment has also supported schemes including Taxi Marshalls in Salisbury and Swindon, street wardens in both cities, Night Angels in Swindon and increased CCTV coverage.

PCC Philip Wilkinson

PCC Philip Wilkinson said the decision was “short-sighted and not in the best interests of local communities”.

“The Hotspot Fund has allowed Wiltshire Police to put officers exactly where they are needed most,” he said.

“By directing resources to known problem areas, we’ve been able to ensure earlier interventions, provide community reassurance, and work with partners to address the root causes of antisocial behaviour and serious violence rather than just the symptoms.

“Reducing crime has never been something policing can achieve alone. The improvements we’ve seen are the result of collaboration, early intervention, and consistent support for those at risk of causing harm or being harmed.”

Mr Wilkinson warned the withdrawal of funding could reverse progress and suggested it signalled a wider move towards centralising police services. “Long term problems require long term solutions,” he said.

Despite the uncertainty, Wiltshire Police, local authorities and community partners say work to reduce ASB and serious violence will continue.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner will now assess the impact of the funding loss and explore alternative ways to protect the progress made so far.