Gloucester City Centre is witnessing heightened police and emergency services presence as authorities respond to a troubling rise in crime, particularly street crime and anti-social behaviour. Starting this month, the city has launched an intensified three-month campaign aiming to curb these disturbing trends.
The initiative kicked off on Monday, June 30, with a coalition of key local figures, including Gloucestershire Police, Fire and Ambulance services, the Gloucester MP, Victim Support representatives, Probation Services, The Music Works, the High Sheriff, the Severn Area Rescue Association, and local councillors. This collaborative effort aligns with the Government’s Safer Streets Mission, unveiled by the Prime Minister in April, which strives to enhance policing and safety in communities nationwide by the end of the current Parliament.
The Government’s commitment is reflected in the Police Funding Settlement that doubles the available budget to £200 million, paving the way for 13,000 additional neighbourhood policing officers.
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Recent data reveals a worrying upward trajectory in street crime, particularly an increase in snatch thefts and shoplifting, where offenders have alarmingly turned to violence and abuse against retail workers. Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson underscored the importance of a community-based public health approach to crime prevention, emphasizing partnership and collective responsibility.
“Crime and anti-social behaviour prevention isn’t solely the police’s job,” Nelson stated. “We are fortunate to have an array of organisations in Gloucestershire eager to support vulnerable populations and to transform our town centres into safe, welcoming spaces.”
Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Chief Inspector Marcus Forbes-George emphasized the seasonal rise in public disorder during summer months and praised the Safer Streets Summer Initiative for its multi-agency cooperation.
“To ensure residents and visitors can enjoy a safe environment, we are leveraging existing partnerships and increasing patrols in identified hotspots,” he explained.
To address the spike, authorities will employ more frequent high-visibility patrols, enforce Public Space Protection orders rigorously, issue Fixed Penalty Notices and Out of Court Resolutions, and increase security at key transportation hubs.
While this three-month campaign marks a significant step, local leaders affirm their commitment to ongoing efforts to reduce crime, support victims, and foster safer communities through continuous collaboration.