OFFICERS have carried out several patrols in Salisbury during the first two weeks of December as part of an operation to tackle retail crime and antisocial behaviour (ASB).

Operation Dasher has resulted in four arrests including a prolific offender for going equipped with a foil lined bag, another for breaching a criminal behaviour order (CBO) and two others for shoplifting.

One of those suspects was charged, remanded and sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment.

The operation is part the ongoing Winter of Action campaign by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and Wiltshire Police and has included high visibility patrols, including joint patrols with Salisbury BID and community and business engagement.

Businesses have received Christmas cards from the recently launched Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP), which brings together the OPCC, police, Salisbury BID, local authorities and businesses.

PCC Phil Wilkinson said: “Retail crime, ASB and violence in the nighttime economy are issues we work on all year round and Winter of Action is about reinforcing that commitment during a time when our city is at its busiest.

“By working with businesses through Salisbury BID and the BCRP with the support of Wiltshire Police, we’re making Salisbury safer and ensuring that those who both live in and visit the city have a safe festive season.”

Inspector Tina Osborn, of Salisbury neighbourhood policing team, explained that officers are out every day engaging with businesses and the public.

“Operation Dasher is about visibility and reassurance, but it’s also about prevention, making sure offenders know we’re here and that crime will not be tolerated,” she added.

“Salisbury is not an easy target for those committing crime in our city and we will work with our partners to ensure that those intent on causing harm are promptly and proactively dealt with.

“We want everyone to enjoy Salisbury safely this Christmas.”

The mobile police station will be in and around Salisbury this week, providing a visible point for public engagement and advice.