Police officers have arrested four teenagers in connection with drug dealing and carrying weapons in Swindon town centre.
Four boys, aged 17, 16, 14 and 14, were arrested on Thursday afternoon (18 May) on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs and possession of a bladed article.
At around 3pm, local officers were informed of a group of people wearing face coverings who were acting in a suspicious manner in Theatre Square.
Upon arrival, the group ran off in different directions. The teenagers were quickly located and detained.
Thanks to Police Dog Bracken, a machete, lock knife, and five bags of cannabis were found behind a bin, while a substantial amount of cash was also found on one of the teenagers.
The teenagers have been bailed while enquiries continue.
Insp David Tippetts said: “There is no place for people carrying weapons in our communities and we recognise the community concern it is causing.
“Creating Safer Public Spaces and tackling violence are Force priorities and we will continue to work day and night to ensure those creating harm in our communities are caught.
“I’d also like to remind people that we are in the middle of Operation Sceptre – a national campaign raising awareness of knife crime.
“As part of this campaign in Wiltshire, we have put knife surrender bins in towns around the county until Sunday where knives can be deposited to encourage the public, particularly young people, to hand in their knives.
“While you may think you’re safer carrying a knife, it is not the case and I would encourage our young people who carry knives to please consider otherwise.”
