FIVE men have been arrested on suspicion of theft and going equipped following a collaborative effort between police units.  

In the early hours of Thursday morning (December 15), officers from Team 5 at Royal Wootton Bassett, assisted by colleagues from Specialist Operations, stopped a vehicle believed to have been involved in recent burglaries.

Five men from Bristol, aged between 16 and 20, were detained and, following a search, a number of tools such as crowbars and bolt croppers, drugs and some items suspected to have been stolen were located.

The men were arrested on suspicion of theft and going equipped, while two of them, a 16-year-old and 20-year-old, were also arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis.

They were taken to Gablecross Police Station in Swindon and later released on bail to allow officers to conduct long-term enquiries.

Sgt Ian Woodward, from the Royal Wootton Bassett response team, said: “This was excellent work by a local policing team in collaboration with Specialist Operations who help keep our roads safe.

“This is a timely reminder that whilst it is the season of goodwill to all, there are still grinches out there looking to ruin Christmas.

“If you see anything suspicious, please report it to the police on 101. If a crime is taking place, call 999.”