Swindon man on suspended sentence stole goods worth more than £9,500

Jamie Loveridge, 28, of no fixed address, was arrested by officers patrolling Swindon as part of Operation Dasher following what the police describe as a significant foot chase last Thursday - 28 November.

Officers found Loveridge hiding in the shed of a residential property and he was subsequently charged with numerous offences which he pleaded guilty to at Swindon Magistrates' Court.

Loveridge will be sentenced for these offences on December 16 and remains on remand until then.

The majority of Loveridge's recent offending took place at Co-Op in Old Town, where he stole alcohol on three occasions from 25 to 27 November.

During the first incident, Loveridge brandished one of the stolen bottles to aid his escape when a staff member challenged him.

Loveridge's other offences included stealing a rolling cage full of Christmas stock, valued at £8,000, from Boots on 11 November and burgling a £1,400 bicycle from Brunel West Car Park on November 19.

PC Bezzant, from the Swindon South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Loveridge had recently been subject to a suspended sentence for like offences and this arrest intervention has stopped any further offending.

"We are actively seeking a Criminal Behaviour Order to help police Loveridge upon his release and to provide interventions to address his substance abuse issues.

"I would like to thank the Swindon Borough Council CCTV operators who played a fundamental role in securing the arrest of Loveridge."

Operation Dasher has been put in place to combat the increased risk of crime and anti-social behaviour that comes with increased footfall during the busy Christmas period.

Officers are conducting high visibility patrols throughout December to offer reassurance to the public and the business community across Swindon.

They are supported by the Community Street Wardens, Swindon Borough Council CCTV operators, Pubwatch and store security staff.