A meeting of car enthusiasts in Swindon, which saw about 150 people in their vehicles meeting at the Orbital retail park last night (09/07), passed without significant disruption or disorder.
Under Operation Staysail – a carefully coordinated response in partnership with land owners and local authorities – our officers engaged with the group, to ensure public safety and minimise disruption to local communities.
The car enthusiasts, the vast majority of whom responded positively, met up at a number of areas in Swindon throughout the evening, including the South Marston industrial estate, the Dorcan retail park, the Hawksworth industrial estate and Blagrove.
As a result of proactive policing, we made two arrests during the evening – one person was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs and the other on suspicion of Section 4 Public Order and assault with intent to resist arrest.
A prohibition was issued on a vehicle for illegal tyres and six penalty notices were issued for miscellaneous traffic offences.
Supt Phil Staynings said: “I’m pleased to say that the vast majority of those taking part in the event engaged positively with our officers and dispersed when asked to do so. As a result, the impact on our community in the Swindon area was relatively limited.
“We will continue to monitor future such car meets and engage with those taking part to ensure public safety and minimise the impact to the wider community.
“Whilst most of those taking part are law abiding enthusiasts, we are aware that car meets do occasionally attract elements who engage in illegal anti-social behaviour.
“We would like to assure the public that will not hesitate to take robust action against anyone breaking the law.”
