Swindon Crook Busted and Binned After Shoplifting Spree
Mark Thirkettle, 49, from Stratton St Margaret, has been locked up for 46 weeks after a cheeky spree of thefts and a burglary landed him in hot water.
Eagle-Eyed Manager Snitches, Cops Give Chase
On December 14, officers on high-visibility patrols for Operation Dasher spotted Thirkettle in Swindon town centre after a sharp-eyed retail manager tipped them off. The crook tried to flee but was caught after a short foot chase.
He was arrested on the spot and charged with six thefts, a non-dwelling burglary, and criminal damage. The next day, magistrates didn’t hesitate to send him straight to prison.
Operation Dasher Cracks Down on Crime
PC Grant Hesketh hailed the success of the festive crackdown: “Operation Dasher has been smashing it across Swindon town centre and local shops. We’ve used dispersal orders to tackle anti-social behaviour, stop nuisance begging, and cut down thefts. This helps everyone enjoy safe, hassle-free shopping.”
He added that patrols and advice sessions will continue up until Christmas, with officers stationed at The Hub on The Parade offering crime prevention tips on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
More Thieves Caught in Festive Round-Up
- Gemma Williams, 32, also of Stratton St Margaret, was charged with handling stolen goods linked to a December 4 theft from Pandora on Regent Street.
- Sophie Quinn, 30, of Victoria Road, got a community order after being found guilty of five thefts from Wilko’s in the town centre.
- Daniel Smith, 40, a homeless man, was nabbed on December 1 for stealing a pedal cycle worth £2,180. He awaits his court date.
Operation Dasher is proving a tough nut to crack for crooks in Swindon as police keep up the pressure this Christmas season.
