POLICE tracked three people through the town centre on Sunday afternoon after they assaulted a security guard while attempting to escape with a haul of perfume, in a planned theft.

Just after 3.30pm a security guard at The Perfume Shop in the town centre became suspicious of a woman who was attempting to make off with the scents and tried to detain her.

Two men had been waiting in a car around the corner for the woman to make a speedy getaway, and came to intervene when they realised she had been rumbled.

After assaulting the guard to make good their escape, they made off in the car but were tracked by town centre CCTV before being apprehended by a nearby response team.

A 49-year-old woman and two men aged 43 and 28 have now been arrested and released on police bail while investigations into the theft are ongoing.

PC Paul Bezzant, town centre beat manager, said: “Security from a retail premises in the town centre attempted to detain a female believed to have been involved in a bulk theft of fragrances from their store.

“In doing so two men believed to be concerned in the offence were waiting in a car on Davis Place at the rear of the Brunel Plaza.

“One of these men was alleged to have assaulted the security officer as he detained the female and in doing so facilitating the group’s escape.

“The security officer sustained minor injuries.

“Security colleagues monitoring CCTV around the town managed to identify the suspects’ vehicle leaving the area, and officers subsequently located it on the outskirts of the town centre.

“As a result of this a 43-year-old man, 28-year-old man, and a 49-year-old woman were arrested.

“They remain on police bail while the investigation continues.

“I would appeal for any persons in the vicinity of Davis Place at around 3.40pm on Sunday, December 7, who believes they may have witnessed this incident to contact PC 1899 Bezzant or PC 2481 Davidson via 101.

“I would like to praise the DaySafe Security network once again for their team work.

“Their dedication in conjunction with the police facilitated the suspects’ prompt arrest only moments after the offence.

“The inSwindon DaySafe network continue to work in partnership with ourselves to help prevent and detect crime and anti social behavior in the town.

“The network and the resources available through CCTV are an invaluable asset to keeping the town safe.”

  • Anyone with any information about the incident, or anyone who was in the town centre at around 3.40pm last Sunday, are asked to contact PC Bezzant or PC Davidson via non-emergency number 101.