ELEVEN people have been arrested during the first week of a Christmas crime prevention campaign in Swindon Town Centre.

Operation Dasher, organised by the Swindon Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), is an operation dedicated to policing the town centre during the day - including late night shopping – throughout the busy Christmas period.

It focuses on the policing efforts as part of Wiltshire Police's commitment to the Swindon Community Safety Partnerships Christmas Safety Campaign.

During the Christmas period the NPT will deploy a number of crime prevention strategies that will include increased high visibility and covert patrols.

The campaign is being done in partnership with in Swindon, the town's retailers, store security staff and licensed premises.

So far during the operation, 11 people have been arrested in the town for a number of different offences, including; shoplifting, possession of drugs, assault and a breach of a anti-social behaviour order.

Several people have also been dispersed from the town centre for causing anti-social behaviour.

Swindon Town Centre Sergeant Becky Smart said: “Our team is committed to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in the town.

“Plain clothes operations are one of several strategies that we deploy in conjunction with our partner agencies.

"We are dedicated to tackling those persistent offenders who commit crime and impact on our community and this is one approach that will be utilised as we lead up to the busy festive period.

“Officers in the town are committed to making sure that the town remains a safe and pleasant place to shop, work and socialise during the run up to Christmas and New Year.”

For more information on the work of your local NPT, call 101 or log onto www.wiltshire.police.uk.