Thames Valley Police has published a new anti-social behaviour action plan to help tackle nuisance and disorder across the region, including in Slough. The plan, which was released on 1 April 2026, sets out seven key themes to improve how police prevent and respond to issues that affect the daily quality of life in local neighbourhoods.
The strategy focuses on a better understanding of anti-social behaviour, increased community engagement, smarter use of data, and improved support for victims. It also places a heavy emphasis on prevention, clearer communication, and ensuring that the force remains transparent and accountable to the public. These efforts form part of the national Safer Streets mission and the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which aims to increase the number of officers in community-based roles across England and Wales.
Superintendent John Batty, Thames Valley Police’s strategic ASB lead, stated that the plan was developed in close collaboration with partners using local insight to ensure it meets the specific needs of communities. Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber welcomed the initiative, noting that anti-social behaviour can have a lasting impact on public wellbeing. He has committed his office to support the force while scrutinising the delivery of these new measures.
This plan builds on recent local efforts to curb disorder. In Slough, police launched Operation Catalyst in February 2026. Backed by £46,000 in Home Office funding, this operation focuses on the town centre through increased police visibility, better use of CCTV and automatic number plate recognition technology, and targeted management of repeat offenders.
The force has also been working to grow its community presence, with the number of funded neighbourhood police constable posts more than doubling from 149 in 2023 to 328 by 2025. These efforts follow a wider regional crackdown last summer that resulted in over 1,330 arrests across various hotspots, including a notable rise in shoplifting-related detentions.
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