Op Dasher returns to keep Swindon shoppers and businesses safe over Christmas

Operation Dasher returns to Swindon this week to help people have a peaceful festive period as we target associated crime and anti-social behaviour.

From Saturday (23/11) for the next month, the high visibility neighbourhood policing operation will operate across the town centre and out-of-town shopping locations, focusing on the day-time economy and extended late night business opening hours.

The busy Christmas period sees an increased footfall and with it the risk of crime and anti-social behaviour goes up.

Operation Dasher has been put in place to combat this and to offer reassurance to the public and business community across Swindon.

We will be supported by the Community Street Wardens, Swindon Borough Council CCTV operators, Pubwatch and store security staff.

Officers will meet with partners daily to share intelligence and any other relevant information which will be disseminated to local businesses and shops.

Sergeant Claire Davidson of the Swindon Central South NPT said: “We have teamed up with our key partners to ensure that neither local businesses or the public are affected this time of year by criminals or anti-social behaviour.

“We want people who are going about their business in Swindon to feel safe and we’re hopeful that this approach will achieve this.”

PC Paul Bezzant, also of the Swindon Central South NPT, added: “The busy Christmas period can provide an increased opportunity for criminals or for anti-social behaviour to be a greater impact to the community.

“This operation is about combating these risks, making sure our communities feel safe to shop, visit and work in the areas.

“Swindon Police have a wealth of committed community partners to call on to help keep the town centre and wider Swindon area safe, helping to work towards safer public spaces and tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

“These have become the eyes and ears of the community and allow us to effectively share information and intelligence in real time to jointly keep the public safe.

“We will continue to work hard with them to ensure everyone can enjoy a peaceful festive period.

“If you have any concerns, please come and speak to one of our officers whilst on patrol or at one of our many community engagement events which will be advertised across our Neighbourhood Teams.”

Tips to avoid becoming a victim of crime when you are out and about during the Christmas period: 

• When out shopping, keep your purse and handbag with you; don’t leave it in your trolley or unattended
• Keep any cash you may have on you to a minimum
• Mobile phones and wallets in back pockets are a target - keep secure and out of sight 
• Be careful at cash machines and when paying by card - shield your PIN at all times.

With more shoppers about, there are inevitably more vehicles in car parks, offering more opportunities for criminals. 

Don’t let your vehicle be an easy target: 

• Don’t leave Christmas presents or valuables like laptops, mobile phones, handbags, credit cards or cheque books in your car.  If unavoidable – put them in the boot and ensure equipment is completely switched off
• Remove Satnavs, clean away suction marks on windows and make sure car doors, windows and sun roofs are all properly closed and locked 
• Leave absolutely nothing on show - you may know that there is no wallet in your jacket, but a thief will break a window just to check.
• If you own a van, remove tools overnight and display an appropriate sign in the rear window making this clear. 

If you are a victim of crime or want to report suspicious behaviour to us, please call 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.