Arrest made after burglary at Swindon West Police Point
Police are still assessing what has been taken during the burglary, but can confirm that items of police uniform and equipment were stolen.
Police have arrested a man following a burglary at the Swindon West Police Point in the early hours of yesterday morning (14/05).
An 18-year-old man from Swindon has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and remains in custody for questioning, however the investigation is ongoing with multiple lines of inquiry.
Police are still assessing what has been taken during the burglary, but can confirm that items of police uniform and equipment were stolen.
ACC Deb Smith said: “We are still investigating how the burglary has occurred and we have made an early arrest, however our investigation is ongoing with multiple lines of inquiry.
“We understand that this is a concerning incident for the public but please be assured that we have taken every necessary step to ensure that any data cannot be accessed on any of the electronic devices that have been stolen. We have however, in line with process, referred the matter to the Information Commissioners Office and we have declared this as a critical incident for the Force.
“Items of police uniform and equipment have been taken, and with that in mind we’d urge anyone who is unsure whether the person they are dealing with is a genuine police officer to call us on 101 to check their identity immediately.
“We also offer a simple verification process to the public which will allow them to confirm that an officer is on duty where all officers can proactively offer to carry out a verification check to anyone they engage with who appears concerned for their safety or vulnerable. They can do this by putting their personal issue radio on loudspeaker and asking a member of our control room to confirm who they are and that they are on duty.
“This check can also be requested by any concerned member of the public.”
Anyone with information in relation to the burglary, or if you witnessed anything, is being asked to contact authorities on 101 quoting reference 54230050337.