POLICE hit the streets of East Swindon last night in a bid to tackle a spate of thefts from cars.

A dozen officers spent the evening patrolling theft hotspots in Eldene, Badbury Park and Wichelstowe.

The operation followed a wave of complaints from residents and business-owners about crime in the area, including burglaries, thefts from vehicles, drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

At a public meeting called in Eldene last month one resident said he feared crime was turning his neighbourhood into a “ghetto”.

The Adver joined officers on last night’s operation, which saw police checking cars for any valuables that might present an easy target for criminals - and advising residents on how best to prevent thefts.

The operation was led by Sargeant David Tippetts, a police officer of eight years’ experience. He told his officers: “As well as preventing offences we also want to stop suspects. We’re looking for suspects possibly on bikes and mopeds.”

Officers spent two hours walking the warren-like paths of Eldene, making sure cars were locked and speaking to those who had left valuables like sat-navs and change in their cars.

Among those with whom the police had words was a man whose dented Nissan Micra was left unlocked and another who had left a small fortune in change scattered in the footwell of his car.

PC Sophia Best, a copper of 15 years who patrols a vast rural patch just south of the town, said: “With any type of crime you have to remove the opportunity from the criminals.”

One woman, 40, who lives in Eldene and was surprised to find a policeman checking the handles of her saloon car, said: “I don’t know what you can do. Those kids are always out. It’s intimidating.”

The higher-than-usual number of police on the streets seemed to have an effect - at least for a short while. Very few groups could be seen waiting in known anti-social behaviour hotspots, although there were reports on social media of youths loitering on paths later that night.

PCSO Dean Tilling, who has been patrolling East Swindon for almost three years, said he understood residents’ fears, but that tackling crime in the area would be a “long game”:

"There’s no quick fix," he said. "We don’t want to move the problem on to Parks or Walcot rather than solving it.”

Last month police and councillors unveiled an “action plan” aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and crime in Eldene and the surrounding areas. More patrols, drug raids and youth outreach work was planned, they said.

Kevin Parry, a borough councillor and chairman of the Nythe, Eldene and Liden Parish Council, said: “Over the past few weeks I’ve been really pleased with the response the policing team has shown and the action they’ve taken. I’ve personally seen them out and visible and I think we’re seeing a positive impact.”

Police would attend the forthcoming parish council meeting on September 18 at Liden Library, Coun Parry said.