Another prolific shoplifter has pleaded guilty to four charges of theft following high visibility patrols by neighbourhood officers.
Martin Morgan, 37 of Sheppard Street, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court yesterday and admitted stealing up to £1800 worth of goods from Boots, Poundland and the Co-Op in Swindon town centre.
He also admitted breaching a criminal behaviour order four times.
Morgan was released on bail and is due to appear at Swindon Crown Court on January 20th.
As a result of the patrols during Operation Dasher, several other people have been charged and convicted.
– Liam Smith, 34, of no fixed abode was charged with two offences of thefts from Wilko in the Parade, Swindon. He was found guilty of the offences on Monday and was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison.
– Jade Nicholson, 26 of Thornford Drive, Westlea was arrested on suspicion of theft in The Parade, Swindon for shoplifting from H&M. She was charged and released on bail. Nicholson is due to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court on 8th March 2023.
– Kane Gavin, 29 or Potton Close, Coventry was arrested on suspicion of theft from Marks and Spencers in Regent Street on Monday. He has been charged with theft and is due to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court on 8th March 2023.
PC Paul Bezzant said: “Operation Dasher has continued to be a successful operation reducing both crime and anti-social behaviour.
“These successes have continued due to the commitment of our community partners, which include the local business and retail stores, CCTV operators and inSwindon Ambassadors.
“The local community policing teams have welcomed the pop-up shop as a means to engage with our communities in a different setting. We hope to build upon this engagement opportunity in the new year as the Swindon Hub is a great community initiative that we have been welcomed in to.”
Throughout the operation officers have effectively used a number of section 35 dispersal orders in the town centre to reduce anti-social behaviour, nuisance begging and deterred thefts.
Operation Dasher will be running up until Christmas Eve. In addition to the high visibility patrols, local officers will be at the Policing Pop Up Shop at The Hub in The Parade tomorrow (Thursday December 22) for the last time between 10am to 3pm offering crime prevention advice.
