WILTSHIRE Police's newly-created Fortitude teams have had a busy second week of action.

Officers based in Swindon and Wiltshire are tasked with proactively targeting the most serious offenders as part of a long-term campaign to help address the root causes of criminality.

They arrested two men following a drugs warrant in Trowbridge in which they found a large amount of class A drugs and cash.

Plus, officers seized thousands of pounds worth of designer clothing, sunglasses and trainers which are believed to be proceeds of crime.

After detaining a 28-year-old man in Southwick following a violent struggle, they seized approximately £2,000 worth of cash and class A drugs.

Fortitude teams located and safeguarded a high-risk missing person from London, a vulnerable teenager who had been trafficked to Swindon by a drug gang to criminally exploit.

They arrested two people for conspiracy to commit burglary and are continuing this investigation.

And they arrested two other people for possession with intent to supply controlled drugs. Drugs, cash and mobile phones were seized.

Officers arrested Gary Cooper, 55, of Odstock Road, who has been charged with two counts of dwelling burglary and theft, and fraud by false representation.

A second man,Jamie Kerley, 31, of Odstock Road, has been charged with fraud by false representation and handling stolen goods. The pair were arrested following reports of a vulnerable elderly couple in their 90s being approached at their home in Laverstock by a man who claimed he owed them money. He was charged in connection with a further distraction burglary of another victim in their 90s in Trowbridge.

Det Supt Steve Kirby, who is leading Fortitude, said: “It’s been a very positive week with some really excellent results coming in from Fortitude.

"I am confident that we are beginning to make a real difference by robustly taking on offenders who are responsible for much of the criminality we see in our communities.

"I am proud of the hard work of those in the Fortitude teams, and their supporting colleagues, whose efforts are beginning reap rewards. The work of these teams sends out a clear message that we will not tolerate those who think that they can flout the law and get away with it.”

To report illegal activity in your area, please contact us on 101 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 - in the case of an emergency always call 999.