Three properties in Swindon have been shut down following a police raid where a door was smashed open, five people were arrested and a quantity of drugs were seized.

On Monday, September 2, officers from various teams including the Stratton, Central North and West Swindon neighbourhood teams collaborated on an operation to target drug dealing, anti-social behaviour and safeguard vulnerable people.

Warrants were executed at four addresses in Beaulieu Close in Toothill and five people were arrested, including a man in his 30s who was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class B drugs after being found with cannabis.

A closure notice was placed on four addresses in Beaulieu Close and another in Affleck Close, Toothill, on September 2.

Two police officers involved in the operation appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on September 3 to apply for a closure order for three of the properties in Beaulieu Close, which is designed to prohibit access to anyone, including residents.

The magistrates granted the order in full for the maximum period of three months, meaning they were satisfied there was enough evidence to suggest the inhabitants had engaged in disorder, anti-social behaviour or criminal activity or the premises had been associated with the disorder or serious nuisance.

On September 2, PC Dyer who led the operation said: “It has been a successful morning targeting drug dealing in the area, as well as the associated antisocial behaviour and exploitation of vulnerable people, and several people are now in custody off the back of it.

“We will now be applying for closure orders at the properties to ensure vulnerable people at these properties are safeguarded.

“These warrants were undertaken following intelligence and information that we have received from the local community.

“We know and appreciate the significant detrimental impact that offences like these have on neighbourhoods and we are determined to make our streets as safe and peaceful as possible.

“The public really are our eyes and ears – your information is invaluable in enabling us to build a full picture of what is going on on the ground in Swindon.

“Please continue to report it, either via our website or on 101, and we will be sure to act upon it.”