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Hello Resident,
Wiltshire Police continues to work closely with regional partners as part of Operation Scorpion – a joint initiative involving police forces and Police and Crime Commissioners across the South West targeting illegal drugs and child criminal exploitation (CCE). Throughout the latest activity phase, police officers and staff have been highly visible across Wiltshire - engaging with residents, gathering intelligence, executing warrants and targeting those believed to be involved in drug-related activity. A coordinated awareness campaign also ran online, including targeted TikTok and Snapchat advertisements aimed at reaching young people and raising awareness of the dangers of drugs and exploitation.
Activity across Wiltshire
Swindon Officers carried out significant proactive work including: Multiple warrants and arrests for drug supplyDrug seizures, cash recovery and closure orders on properties linked to Class A dealingIntelligence-led vehicle stops resulting in arrestsHotspot patrols in areas including Marlowe Ave, Fairfax Close, Park North, Eldene, Moredon, Pinehurst, Gorse Hill, Caulfield Road, Welcombe Ave, Oakham Close and Corfe RoadVisits to local hotels to raise awareness around exploitation and encourage reporting.This activity has disrupted drug lines and enhanced safeguarding for vulnerable individuals.
Royal Wootton Bassett, Cricklade and surrounding rural areas Work focused on prevention, safeguarding, and engagement: Hotel Watch visits to raise awarenessPatrols of parks linked to drug issuesSchool sessions at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy educating young people on exploitation risksVehicle stops leading to arrests and intelligence development.
Chippenham, Calne and Corsham Officers undertook: High-visibility patrols in youth violence and drug dealing hotspot areasChecks at addresses at risk of cuckooingTargeted patrols around Kingsbury Green Academy in CalneAn arrest and closure order linked to cuckooing in ChippenhamVehicle stops and drug-related arrestsEngagement with young people through school-based prevention work.
Melksham and Trowbridge Activity included: Warrants resulting in drug seizures and weapons recoveryVehicle stops leading to arrestsHigh-visibility patrols in known hotspots.Trowbridge officers also carried out: Safety sweeps and reassurance patrolsWeapon sweeps linked to youth violenceHotspot patrols targeting Class A dealingJoint work to safeguard vulnerable individuals.This led to multiple drugs, cash and weapons recoveries, improved safety and ongoing investigations.
Devizes Officers focused on: Visits and welfare checks on vulnerable adults at risk of cuckooingJoint visits with substance misuse partnersWarrants leading to drug seizures and intelligence developmentPatrols in areas linked to organised crime.This work has strengthened safeguarding and supported people into treatment and support services.
Westbury, Warminster and Bradford-on-Avon Actions included: Joint patrols with drug and alcohol outreach staffYouth violence hotspot patrolsVisibility and reassurance work across key locationsThis resulted in safeguarding opportunities, intelligence gathering, and increased community reassurance.
Salisbury and Amesbury Officers carried out: Hotspot patrols targeting organised criminal groupsVehicle stops and arrests for Class A supplySeizures of drugs, weapons, cash and vehicles.Recent outcomes included: Cocaine and cash seizuresA firearm recoveredCounty Lines networks disruptedTwo significant suspects charged.
Marlborough and Pewsey Local activity included: High-visibility hotspot patrolsTargeted work against OCG-linked drug dealingIntelligence gathering to support wider enforcementThis has disrupted rural criminality and supported ongoing safeguarding and future policing action.
While enforcement, visible policing and education continues, community intelligence remains one of the most powerful tools we have. You can support Operation Scorpion by: Reporting suspicious behaviour or drug activitySharing details about vehicles, locations or people of concernLooking out for young or vulnerable individuals who may be exploitedContacting police if something doesn’t feel rightWatch a round up of the week, coordinated by Gloucestershire Police: Op Scorpion Montage
You don’t need to be certain. If you’re worried, tell us. 📞 999 – if a crime is happening or someone is in danger
💻Online reporting – via the Wiltshire Police website
🔍Crimestoppers – anonymously on 0800 555 111 Your information helps us build a picture, safeguard people at risk, and take action against those who harm our communities.
Our message is simple: Wiltshire and the South West is no place for drugs. | 
