Swindon thieves sentenced after successful Tri-Force operation

Just over seven months ago, officers from Tri-Force began an operation to identify offenders who had been targeting new build properties in North Swindon.

Using ANPR (automated number plate recognition) and a coordinated plan, officers sighted a vehicle of interest in Thamesdown Drive, near a building site by the David Lloyd gym on 22 February. 

The occupants of the vehicle attempted to make off from officers, leading to a foot chase in the area. 

Three men were caught soon after, and within their vehicle were items used for theft and burglary including a crowbar and gloves. The vehicle was seized for having no insurance and no MOT.

The three men were arrested and charged with a number of offences. 

Keaton Danter, aged 18, of Pinnocks Place, Swindon, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on 3 October and pleaded guilty to going equipped for theft. He was sentenced to a community order which requires him to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work over the next 12 months.

At earlier hearings back in the summer, Liam Phillips, aged 18, of Ruskin Avenue, Swindon,  pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified, using a vehicle without insurance and valid test certificate and going equipped for burglary. He was given a 26 week prison sentence suspended for 24 months, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115 and CPS costs of £85.

Finley Rose, aged 18, of Meadowcroft, Swindon, pleaded guilty to going equipped for burglary and was given a community order to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, pay a victim surcharge of £85 and pay CPS costs of £85.

Sgt Warren Knight said: “This was excellent work on the evening of 22 February by Wiltshire based Tri-Force officers. The previous evening, an officer had spotted the three men acting suspiciously in the area near to a building site. They left the scene in a vehicle but intelligence was submitted as the officer was aware of a number of burglaries in the area in recent weeks, and through a coordinated approach within the team, we were able to gather intelligence and take action the following evening.

“Operations of this nature enable us to target those causing most harm in our communities and ensure they are put before the courts as a result of their actions. 

“We would continue to encourage members of the public to report incidents of this nature to 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.”