A police crackdown on organised crime in Broadgreen led to businesses being fined £235,000 and four arrested suspects being deported.

Officers worked with Swindon Borough Council to learn of neighbours’ concerns by issuing a survey which received responses about cuckooing, knife crime, and gangs’ drug dealing.

A week of action carried out in response to these issues being raised led to 29 businesses being visited, four people being arrested and deported due to immigration offences, businesses receiving £235,000 in fines altogether, £3,000 in cash being seized, and partner agencies starting 25 investigations into local companies.

Plus, police also seized two vehicles, issued 30 parking tickets, dealt with four vehicles that had no insurance, and dealt with two people out of court for drug offences.

The scheme has been carried out under the working title Clear Hold Build.

Swindon commander, Superintendent Guy Elkins, said: “This is a strong example of partnership working in Swindon between us and partners and the local community.

“We have listened to all concerns and issues raised by residents and this operation is a collective response from police and partners to tackle serious and organised criminality in the Broadgreen area.

“We are determined to tackle these issues and make the area feel safer and all who live here feel safe.

“The results we have achieved in such a short space of time have been fantastic, but there is much more we want to do and achieve.

“This is the starting point of a long-term project to disrupt and tackle serious criminality in Broadgreen.

“We will be implementing similar schemes across other areas of Swindon and Wiltshire over the course of the year.

“Information from the community continues to play a vital role in the success of this work and we would urge anyone who knows anything that could assist us to get in touch, anonymously if needed, via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Officers, Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson, and 200 locals attended a Broadgreen community event earlier this month alongside various partner agencies for a morning of family fun and informative talks, where residents discussed issues, received advice, and gave feedback about what it’s like to live in Broadgreen.

Cllr Jim Grant said: “Our colleagues in Wiltshire Police have done a great job in recent weeks of rooting out some really worrying criminal activity that was taking place in Broadgreen and, as a partnership, we want to make sure this does not rear its head again.

“Residents can play an important role in helping us tackle serious criminal activity, by being our eyes and ears and reporting anything suspicious to the Police and other agencies.

“We are offering a genuine commitment of support to people in Broadgreen. There is already a thriving community in the area and the feedback provided will be considered further.

“What is clear is that residents in Broadgreen love their neighbourhood and we will be working with them on some initiatives over the coming months to foster some real community pride and make some positive changes to the local area.”

Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “We have seen how a collaborative approach between the community, the police, police and crime commissioners, and organisations such as councils, support services and charities has led to a significant reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour.

“It was fantastic to see so many people at the recent event at the community centre and it shows that through working together, we can build resilience and restore confidence and trust in the police.

“Above all else, we must continue to listen to what the residents in Broadgreen want us to do to make their community a safer place to live and work. Their support is crucial in everything we do.”