Partnership initiatives aim to make Swindon’s night-time economy safer this summer

Several partnership-led initiatives including a new public space protection order (PSPO) are being rolled out in Swindon this summer to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve safety in the town’s night-time economy.

Backed by funding from the Home Office’s Anti-Social Behaviour Hotspot Fund, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Swindon Borough Council, and Wiltshire Police have joined forces to deliver targeted interventions at key locations across the town centre.

Accredited Taxi Marshals will patrol Swindon’s busy taxi pick-up zones—particularly in Old Town, Princes Street, and Town Centre North which have been identified as hotspots for anti-social behaviour and vulnerability, especially during peak weekend hours.

The marshals operate between 10pm and 6am on Friday and Saturday nights every weekend from 15 August 2025 through to April 2026 to support safer dispersal, reduce risk, and help people get home safely.

The scheme is part of a wider joined-up effort to strengthen safety and confidence in Swindon’s night-time economy over the summer months. This is in addition to increased training for dozens of frontline staff - including door supervisors, bar staff, and volunteers – who completed Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training last week.

This nationally recognised programme equips staff with the skills to identify and support individuals who may be vulnerable or at risk, ensuring timely and trauma-informed interventions that prevent escalation and harm.

Additional patrols have also been deployed to anti-social behaviour hotspots in the worst affected areas to provide reassurance to residents and respond swiftly to incidents, and Project Vigilant was relaunched in Swindon at the end of July, aimed at targeting perpetrator and predatory behaviours, such as harassment, loitering without reason and stalking.

Partly funded through anti-social behaviour hotspot response fund, these operations will be carried out on a frequent basis with the aim of proactively preventing violence and sexual offences against women and girls, whilst also ensuring anyone of any gender can enjoy their night out in Swindon.

These summer safety initiatives build on existing collaboration between the OPCC, Wiltshire Police, Swindon Borough Council, Street Pastors, Night Angels, door staff, and other night time economy workers - and supports the wider Safer Streets Summer campaign to make town centres safer across Wiltshire.

With the addition of a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in the town centre and Broadgreen, officers from both Wiltshire Police and the Council have the legal authority to challenge and fine those engaging in disruptive or dangerous behaviour, including street drinking and the use of e-scooters or e-bikes.

On-the-spot fines of up to £100 will be issued, with repeat offences leading to prosecution and fines of up to £1,000.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “Ensuring our communities feel safe and are protected—particularly in environments where vulnerability can increase—is a core priority of my office.

“These partnership-led initiatives in Swindon demonstrate how targeted investment and collaborative working can deliver meaningful improvements to public safety.

“The introduction of the taxi marshals, alongside the delivery of WAVE training, Project Vigilant patrols, and other safety schemes—including the newly launched Public Spaces Protection Order in Swindon town centre and Broadgreen—reflects our commitment to creating a night-time economy that is not only vibrant but also secure, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all who use it.”

Chief Superintendent Doug Downing said: “These collaborations with partners are essential in underpinning our mission of Keeping Wiltshire Safe. We cannot tackle these issues in isolation, and we must continue to forge ever-stronger relationships with our local stakeholders and partners to improve the service we provide.

“These initiatives in Swindon are targeted and based on intelligence which suggests they are hotspots for anti-social behaviour and vulnerability, particularly during Friday and Saturday nights.

“However, our work in this area extends beyond Swindon - all ten of our Neighbourhood Policing Teams across our county are committed to working with partners and our communities to drive down crime and reduce anti-social behaviour.

"We want our communities to feel safe, so we are committed to increasing our visibility when they need us the most.”

Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “We’re focused on building a town centre that’s welcoming, vibrant and safe for everyone. The new PSPO, supported by this initiative, gives our partners the tools they need to address persistent issues and ensure the area remains a positive place for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”

Find out more about Safer Streets Summer here.