A prolific offender has been put on Santa's naughty list and behind bars after police stepped up patrols around Swindon's retail areas.

Operation Dasher, a police initiative that runs during the festive season, has helped to snare Mark Thirkettle, who was jailed for 46 weeks for a number of thefts.

Thirkettle, 49, of Swindon Road, Stratton St Margaret, was caught by officers from Wiltshire Police who were carrying out 'high visibility patrols' as part of the operation. 

He was spotted by an eagle-eyed retail manager in Swindon town centre on December 14, who alerted officers to his location.

He made off from officers but was eventually detained after a short foot chase and arrested for a number of thefts as well as a non-dwelling burglary that he was wanted for.

Swindon Advertiser: Mark ThirkettleMark Thirkettle (Image: Wiltshire Police)

Later that day, he was charged with six thefts, one non-dwelling burglary and criminal damage, and was remanded in custody to appear at Swindon Magistrates' Court the following morning where he was sentenced.

PC Grant Hesketh said: “Operation Dasher continues to run in Swindon town centre and retail outlets across Swindon during the festive period. Officers have been conducting high visibility patrols and engaging with members of the public at retail premises and the operation so far has been extremely effective.

"I am pleased that Thirkettle, who is a prolific offender, has been given a prison sentence by magistrates."

PC Hesketh went on to explain that the capture and sentencing of Thirkettle wasn't the only positive outcome of Operation Dasher. 

He said: “Throughout the operation so far, officers have effectively used a number of section 35 dispersal orders in the town centre to reduce anti-social behaviour, nuisance begging and deterred thefts and I hope this has led to an enjoyable and safe shopping and leisure experience for people visiting the town."

As a result of the patrols during Operation Dasher, several other people have been charged and convicted.

  • Gemma Williams, 32, of Swindon Road, Stratton St Margaret, was charged with handling stolen goods in relation to a theft that occurred at Pandora Regent Street in Swindon on December 4.
  • Sophie Quinn, 30, of Victoria Road, was also sentenced at Swindon Magistrates Court on December 10,  having been convicted of five thefts from Wilko’s in the town centre, and received a community order.
  • Daniel Smith, 40, of no fixed abode Swindon was arrested in Swindon Town Centre on December 1 and charged with the theft of a pedal cycle to the value of £2,180. He has yet to appear in court.