Pro-active action in Swindon town centre from Wiltshire Police

Officers in Swindon have been targeting crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

During the past week patrols were carried out by officers from the Swindon South CPT (Community Policing Team) including PCSOs and Specials.

A number of these patrols was in the company of members from the inSwindon street team.

Whilst on patrol a number of incidents were dealt with proactively including a shoplifting offence from a card shop in the town centre.  Gareth Fanning (31) from Banwell Avenue, Swindon was charged with theft from a shop and has been released on conditional bail – he is due to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court on 7 June 2017.

A large amount of community intelligence was gained throughout the week, including more information about a recent burglary from a vending machine and the theft of credit card.  Bradley Atkinson (40) from Knowsley Road, Swindon was charged with burglary and theft.  He has been released on unconditional bail and is due to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court on 7 June 2017.

Also, a 31-year-old woman from Swindon has been summoned for two counts of shoplifting in Swindon town centre.

Most notable was information of a house being used for drug dealing; this was acted upon promptly and later the same day a male was questioned in relation to this.  Our enquiries are on-going.

PC Paul Bezzant said:  “This week long operation has shown that we are committed to keeping the town centre of Swindon a safe place for the public to come and enjoy.
“We will continue to be pro-active in how we patrol the area working closely with our partner agencies to provide a joined up approach.”