• Swindon & Wiltshire News
• Tuesday December 16 2014

Thieves beware – Dasher is coming to town

Shoplifters and pickpockets had better watch out… Dasher is coming to town.

The seasonally-titled police operation was launched in Swindon on Saturday, with the aim of increasing the police presence in the town centre during the day time, including late night shopping.

The operation – a partnership effort between the Swindon Town Centre Neighbourhood Police Team, Swindon Community Safety Partnership, inSwindon, the town’s retailers, store security staff and licensed premises – saw a 15 percent decrease in reported crime last year compared to the year before.

Police inspector Paul Saunders said: “”Crime and anti social behaviour during the day time economy continue to remain relatively low. This is thanks to the shared responsibility and collective commitment of inSwindon, the retailers, town centre management, store security and the police.

“We continue to build upon these working relationships during the busy festive period when an increase in opportunistic crime can occur. Our aim is to ensure Swindon town centre remains a safe and pleasant place to visit.”