Hundreds of people attended a car meet in Swindon last night (Saturday, 28 October).
The ‘unauthorised’ Halloween event took place at the Whalebridge multi-storey car park in Ilsington Street from about 6.30pm – and included several sporadic firework ‘displays’.
Wiltshire Police deployed specially-trained liaison officers alongside regular officers to the scene – including one armed with a video camera to document people and vehicles present.
The group were repeatedly told to stop lighting fireworks on the top floor of the car park, which is attached to Kimmerfield Court – a council property housing older people.
It’s understood numerous traffic and vehicle offences were identified by officers in attendance. Some were dealt with at or near the event, whilst others will be dealt with at a later date.
Wiltshire Police confirmed that a number of public order-related offences were reported, and investigations are ongoing.
Wiltshire Car Scene organisers issued a statement the previous day, suggesting that they were working with the police to avoid a complete shutdown.
It said: “We are now working with police to keep the meets running without being shut down. We now have the go ahead for tomorrow.
“The police will be present but on good terms so everyone on best behaviour. No drifts or races. Loud music and loud cars are acceptable.”
Following the Whalebridge meet, the group moved on to an industrial estate – where more fireworks were let off and anti-social driving appeared to take place.
In videos seen by Wiltshire 999s, cars and motorbikes were driven on the pavement and races took place. It’s unclear if the police were present, but they were not visible in the footage.
In another video, the occupants of a moving vehicle were seen lighting sparklers. The driver appeared to be holding the sparkler out fo the window whilst driving along a public road.
Nearby, a traffic officer stopped a modified red and black Toyota sporting an ‘Irresponsible’ sticker on the windscreen. The driver was reported for having no front number plate.
“We get it that it’s a ‘project’ car, but it still needs a front number plate. The wording on the windscreen says it all”, a roads policing spokesperson commented.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “Officers were in attendance at the Whalebridge car park in Swindon last night as part of Operation Staysail, the force’s response to disruptive car meets.
”Approximately 500 people were in attendance and there were a small number of public order incidents reported – enquiries will continue in relation to this.
”However, no injuries were reported and no significant damage caused and the gathering had dispersed by 11pm.”
