Shoplifters in Gloucester are being targeted as part of a new police operation.

Op Furtum will see the City Neighbourhood Policing Team focus on catching and deterring thieves in shops around the city centre and Gloucester Quays as they increase the pressure on the criminals.

The operation first ran for two days in the city earlier this month with officers speaking to shop staff, security and members of the public, alongside City Protection Officers.

It has proved such a success with the stores and shoppers that officers are now planning to repeat it on a regular basis in the run up to Christmas.

During the two days, members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team were able to stop a number of known offenders. A Criminal Behaviour Order was created for one prolific offender, while another was arrested after being found in breach of their bail conditions. A third was arrested for four warrants against them.

Three first-time offenders were also caught after stealing from shops including TK Maxx and Tesco and were given City Safe Yellow Cards.

The Yellow Card system is a warning issued to anyone caught misbehaving in or near businesses in the City Safe scheme. Details are passed on to police and the local authorities and, if a person should get a second Yellow Card within 12 months, they could be banned from using pubs, clubs, restaurants, shops, buses and taxis in the city, as well as facing Anti-Social Behaviour legislation.

Sergeant Andrew Doyle said: "We are sending out a clear message to these offenders in the city - we're watching you and your behaviour will not be tolerated.

"Shoplifting has a huge impact on the shops - not just for the stores themselves, who take a financial hit whenever it happens, but for the shoppers as well, who can feel unsafe and vulnerable.

"We already work closely with City Protection Officers and our shop staff to tackle this crime. We will continue to carry out this operation over the coming months as we ramp up our efforts to discourage these offenders from targeting our city."

Did you know you can report information anonymously through the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers? Reporting is completely anonymous and you may be eligible for a reward of up to £1000.

You can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or report information online. More information can be found here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously