POLICE are cracking down on large car meets in Swindon after disruptive drivers kept neighbours awake with anti-social driving.

The county’s force has started Operation Staysail to bring resources together which aims to ensure these offences are dealt with 'quickly and robustly'.

This comes after officers received several reports about vehicles speeding, racing, creating loud noises, wheel spinning, drifting, and burning tyre marks into the tarmac at large car meets across Swindon.

This led to a three-month partial closure order to be put in place for the car park outside the Bridgemead Sainsbury's and B&M.

Supt Conway Duncan said: "We recognise that those who commit offences and engage in anti-social behaviour at these events do not represent the majority of car enthusiasts who are law abiding and simply wish to share their passion with like-minded people.

"However, the message is clear: We will not tolerate those who flout the law and engage in anti-social behaviour - they can expect to face a swift and robust response.

"We will engage with local landowners where necessary to prevent disruptive car meets and we will not hesitate to deal with any instances of disruptive behaviour or dangerous driving.

"Our officers will make use all available powers to minimise risk of harm to our communities, which could include the arrest and prosecution of individuals, seizure of vehicles and use of dispersal orders."

Members of the public can report antisocial behaviour by calling 101, visiting www.wiltshire.police.uk or – if it’s an emergency – calling 999.