STREET DRINKERS at the bus station said to be behind a huge spike in anti-social behaviour are being targeted in a major police crackdown.

Throughout February and March, officers of the Central Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) and Swindon Council’s Anti-social Behaviour Team carried out covert, plain-clothes patrols to gather intelligence on those suspected of causing the trouble.

The police carried out 596 patrols of the bus station and made 25 arrests in the last two months, working closely with bus firms Stagecoach, Thamesdown Transport and town centre management firm inSwindon, to gather valuable evidence against the core trouble makers.

The operation, codenamed Arcadia, aimed to combat the problem in the area after the sector saw a 44 per cent increase in anti-social behaviour over the last year, even though violent crime was down significantly.

Acting sergeant Barry Reed said: “Members of the public and retailers have the right to go about their business without fear of intimidation and harassment.”

The group, of which police estimate numbered around 70 people, are suspected of being responsible for more than 300 incidents of ASB and crime between June 2011 and February this year. Officers have identified a core of 20 people they are looking to take action against, either Asbos or injunctions, which could see them banned from the town centre.

Acting Sgt Reed said: “Research has identified that although the police and partner agencies have worked hard over the last few years to combat the anti-social behaviour and criminality caused by the town centre drinkers, it has failed to achieve long-term sustainable results.

“Every day this group, which can reach numbers of up to 30 to 40, act in an anti-social manner, intimidating the public, retailers and business communities. It is a massive draw on our resources and the behaviour of this group is completely unacceptable.

“We have had reported incidents of the members of the group aggressively begging, urinating in the street, swearing, dog attacks and persistently drinking within the Designated Public Place. The intelligence links them to violent offences such as assaults and street robberies, drugs, and other theft.

“Many are alcohol or drug dependant, but some fail or refuse to engage with support agencies, making it very difficult to remove the cause of their behaviour. I personally know how these people impact on members of the public and retailers. Swindon NPT is fully committed to preventing them from impacting upon anyone else.”

Inspector Adrian Burt, head of the central sector, said: “Since February my team have worked tirelessly to gather evidence for long-term solutions, we have identified 20 as the core harm-causers. The team have carried out numerous high visibility patrols, making more than 25 arrests, seizing alcohol, and dispersing the group.”

Paul Jenkins, MD of Thamesdown Transport, said: “We had actually raised the issue of anti-social behaviour with the police a month ago, so we’re very pleased that they have carried out this operation. We have also been with liaising with inSwindon, so that inSwindon have tasked their street team to go round to the bus station and monitor behaviour, too.”

Craig Lockley, Stagecoach West Commercial Director said: “We want the passenger experience to be as pleasant as possible and that includes the bus station as it is start or end of many of the journeys made in Swindon. We will continue to work with the police so further progress is made.”

Anyone with complaints can contact 101, or email swindontowncentrenpt@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk citing Operation Arcadia.