Over 40 arrests made as Police crackdown on shoplifting and anti-social behaviour
Operation Cracker saw officers target retail centres to reassure shoppers over Christmas
More than 40 people have been arrested as part of a Wiltshire Police crackdown on shoplifting and anti-social behaviour over the festive period.
During the Christmas and New Year period, officers targeted retail centres and other crime hot spots in a bid to reassure the public and build strong relationships with high street stores.
The Force's Neighbourhood Harm Reduction Unit also worked alongside local authorities to set up engagement stalls to encourage members of the public to report crime, discuss concerns and access crime prevention advice.
The partnership also ensured licensed premises were complying with their conditions.
Furthermore, officers made a number of patrols to provide visibility, reassurance and deterrence activity in identified vulnerable rural locations and anti-social behaviour hotspots.
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Saunders said: “As a force we continue to prioritise preventative policing and we remain committed to reducing crime within our communities.
“The focussed activity conducted over the festive period was planned and focussed against the crime trends and demands types we expect to see during the holiday season. We are determined to deal with such matters robustly and provide our communities with the best possible, evidence-based policing service.
“When set against the other important duties being managed across Wiltshire during this period, including night-time economy issues and gang-related activity, our commitment to community engagement and service delivery underline our commitment to keeping our communities safe.”
Throughout December, the twin initiatives Op Dasher (Swindon) and Op Cracker (County), resulted in the following outcomes:
• 40 x Arrests.
• 17 x Out of Court Disposals.
• 5 x Closure Orders relating to ASB and Business premises.
• 3 x Community Behaviour Orders.
• 2 x Community Protection Notices relating to licence premises.
• 14 x Section 35 Dispersals.
• 15 x Stop Searches.
• 104 intelligence submissions.
• 7 High Risk Offenders arrested.
• 10 X Hotel watch visits conducted.
• 123 weeks of prison sentences handed down to four Swindon nominals.
• 138 recorded engagements with local businesses and licensed premises.