POLICE believe they may have caught one of the ringleaders thought to be behind recent problems in east Swindon.

The man, who is understood to be a “catalyst” for recent anti-social behaviour and drugs crime in Walcot, Parks and Eldene, was one of two people arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm in August.

The 18-year-old has been bailed by the courts and is awaiting trial.

Police said on Monday night that they think the teenager’s arrest had led to a calming-down in tensions in the area.

PCSO Phil Day said: “We’re hopeful we’ll secure a conviction.”

The comments came as three officers from Wiltshire Police answered residents’ crime concerns at a meeting of Nythe, Eldene and Liden Parish Council.

It follows complaints from residents that the area has been subjected to scores of criminal incidents over the past 18 months, including thefts from cars, burglaries, drug-dealing and anti-social behaviour.

Sgt David Tippetts, community beat manager for South Swindon, outlined recent action in the area aimed at tackling crime.

They included an operation at the start of September, warning people who have left their cars unlocked or valuables left in the vehicles. Two houses have been raided after police secured drug warrants. A PCSO has been posted to the area and police have stepped up patrols by uniformed police.

However, the police officers urged people to continue to report crime to the police.

Inspector Dave Hobman said: “One of the key things that’s really important from my perspective is that we hear what’s going on.

“It’s really important we understand what’s happening across the whole of our communities.”

If police weren’t aware of crimes, like anti-social behaviour or break-ins, there was a danger that resources would be shifted to other neighbourhoods where reports had been made to police, he said.

He also added that police were working with other agencies, such as the council’s Youth Offending Team, to attempt to prevent crime.

“The police can’t fix everything, but we have a part to play,” Ins Hobman said.

Residents quizzed police on sluggish response times and difficulty reporting crime on the non-emergency 101 number.

One resident said: “It feels, sometimes, like we’re doing battle on our own.”

Ins Hobman said he understood people’s frustrations – but stressed that crime needs to be reported for them to respond. Serious crime, such as house break-ins would be prioritised.

“Every single burglary will get a response,” he said.

"What we need to do then is draw together where those burglaries are taking place.”

A woman, who said she had had a fast response when she has twice called police recently, said: “I just want to say 'thank you'. I live in Eldene and I have noticed more police about.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson, Robert Buckland MP and Insp Hobman will speak at a public meeting about crime in Eldene and Lidenon Wednesday, September 27, from 7–8.30pm, in Eldene Community Centre.