Safer Streets Winter launches in Cheltenham following successful summer crackdown

• Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson welcomes the next winter phase of the Home Office initiative to target crime and anti-social behaviour in our town and city centres.
• The winter scheme will focus on retail crime, male violence against women and girls, and the night-time economy, amongst other themes.
• Nelson said, “The results of our summer initiative, Op Shield, were clear - high visibility policing and partnership works.”

Following the success of Gloucestershire’s Safer Streets Summer Initiative, also known as Operation Shield, a winter version launched today Monday (December 1) in Cheltenham.

The summer initiative saw nearly 3,500 hours of patrols by police officers and nearly 650 hours of patrols by partner agencies.

The new seasonal operation, Safer Streets Winter, will officially launch Monday 1 December with a day of intensification, including: the neighbourhood engagement vehicle, police patrols, business and community engagement.

The public were invited to come and see Officers and partners on the afternoon of 1 December, on Cheltenham’s High Street, they shared their plans to tackle crime and keep you safe this winter.

The summer campaign, which ran from June to September, resulted in:

• 78 arrests for offences including robbery, theft from the person and shoplifting.
• 51 anti-social behaviour out-of-court disposals
• 94 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters seized
• 4657 engagements with businesses by police or partners
• Targeted operations in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean
• In Cheltenham alone there was a 5% decrease in anti-social behaviour during the summer months with 21 arrests for retail and street crime and 37 fines issued.

Building on this momentum, Safer Streets Winter will focus on tackling the types of crime and anti-social behaviour that typically spikes during the colder months. This includes shoplifting, street drinking, male violence against women and girls, drink/drug drive prevention and public order offences.

Despite launching in Cheltenham, Safer Streets Winter will take place in all the districts of Gloucestershire.

Partners from across the county will be doing their bit to prevent crime and help people feel safer when out and about this winter.

Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson said: “The results of our summer initiative, Op Shield, were clear - high visibility policing and partnership works.

“Gloucestershire communities responded positively, and officers made a real impact on the ground. Safer Streets Winter is about keeping that momentum going and adapting our approach to the challenges the winter season brings.

“I hope to see similar results that reassure the public that we are out there, helping to keep them safe.”

Chief Inspector Marcus Forbes-George said: “The Safer Streets Summer initiative had some great successes, and I am hopeful that the winter version will be just as impactful.

“I would like to thank everyone who will be yet again playing their part in helping to make the streets of Gloucestershire as safe as possible."

Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “I would like to thank our Constabulary and council officers for their exemplary partnership working, as specifically noted in our recent Police and Crime Panel meeting. Your efforts paid off seeing a 5% reduction in anti-social behaviour across the town.   

“As we move into the festive period, we know how important it is for people to feel safe in the town centre, especially during the darker winter months.

“Safer Streets Winter builds on the success of the summer campaign and is a great example of how working together with our partners can make a real difference in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.”