There has been a drop in both antisocial behaviour and domestic abuse related offences in Wiltshire over the last year, a new report has revealed.

Wiltshire and Swindon's police and crime commissioner Philip Wilkinson's annual report summarises progress made over the past year to make Wiltshire safer.

It highlights a 16.6 per cent drop in antisocial behaviour incidents in 2023/2024 compared to 2022/2023, as well as a 13.4 per cent reduction in domestic abuse related crimes.

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.

Wiltshire and Swindon police and crime commissioner, Philip Wilkinson (Image: Newsquest) "I’m really pleased to see a drop in antisocial behaviour 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 milestone outlined in the 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 explains how a new Police and Crime Plan is being developed with input from Wiltshire residents after a public consultation period.