New Respect Orders Give Wiltshire Police Stronger Powers to Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour

New Respect Orders have come into force across England and Wales, giving police and local authorities stronger powers to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour.

The measures came into effect on Monday 26 October 2026 and are intended to address repeated offending that affects residents, businesses and communities, including across Wiltshire and Swindon.

Wiltshire Police announced the changes in a public message, explaining that the new orders target repeat offenders and can impose restrictions on their movements and activities to help make communities safer places to live and work.

Respect Orders allow courts to impose conditions on adults aged 18 and over who have engaged in, or threatened to engage in, anti-social behaviour. The aim is to prevent further incidents and provide greater protection for people affected by persistent problems.

Depending on the circumstances, an order could prevent an individual from entering particular areas, such as a town centre, or restrict activities such as drinking in specified public places where this is linked to anti-social behaviour.

The orders can also require individuals to take positive steps to address the causes of their behaviour. These requirements could include attending drug or alcohol treatment services, anger management programmes or undertaking community-based activities.

The new powers are designed to provide authorities with additional ways to deal with people whose repeated behaviour causes harassment, alarm or distress to others.

A key feature of the changes is that breaching a Respect Order is a criminal offence. Police can arrest individuals suspected of breaking the conditions, and those found guilty of an offence could face further penalties, including imprisonment of up to two years.

The orders must be granted by a court following an application from an authorised organisation, such as the police, a local authority or another eligible body. They are intended to focus on persistent adult offenders rather than isolated incidents of anti-social behaviour.

The introduction of Respect Orders forms part of wider government measures to improve community safety and strengthen the response to persistent nuisance and disorder.

For residents in Salisbury and elsewhere in Wiltshire, the changes provide an additional legal mechanism for authorities to address repeated anti-social behaviour where the relevant legal requirements are met.

Residents who experience ongoing problems are encouraged to report incidents to the appropriate authorities, providing details of what happened, when it occurred and how frequently it has taken place. Reports can help police and partner organisations assess the situation and determine what action may be appropriate.

Wiltshire Police has highlighted the new orders as part of its efforts to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour and support safer communities across the county.

Further information about the new measures is available through the UK Government website.