Residents in Walcot and the Parks areas of Swindon may have noticed an increase in police officers on patrol recently.
This is in response to a series of incidents, including some violent offences targeting certain individuals, which have been carried out by members of local criminal groups over previous weeks.
As a result, additional officers have been deployed to this part of the town to target those group members who are committing criminality and anti-social behaviour in the local community, as well as reassuring residents through high visibility patrols.
Already, following a stop and search last Monday, an 18-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply and assaulting an officer; he has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
Also on Monday evening, officers were involved in a pursuit with a car that was stopped on Welcombe Avenue. The driver made off but the vehicle was subsequently recovered along with a quantity of Class A drugs. Our enquiries are ongoing.
Sgt Richard Fay, from the Swindon Central South Neighbourhood Policing Team which covers this area, said: “It is our intention to target the small group of those who choose to break the law and cause disruption to the majority of the law-abiding members of our community.
“We are aware that some crimes which have taken place over the past couple of weeks have involved violence towards certain individuals. Although these types of incidents are thankfully relatively uncommon, let’s be clear, there is no room for this type of criminality in our town.
“We, as your local police force, will not tolerate any crimes of this nature and will arrest and deal with anyone who attempts to carry out such intimidating or violent acts.
“I want to reassure those living and working in this close-knit community that we are there to support you, and if you have any concerns or questions please stop any of our officers you see on patrol – they will be able to help you.
“Alternatively, if you wish to report anything, you can contact us on 101 or via our website.”
People can also report anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or contacting Fearless.org.
