Police in Gloucester will be cracking down on shoplifters in the coming weeks.

Officers have been patrolling the city centre as part of Operation Blitzen and have already arrested a number of offenders.

The operation will run into the new year with police conducting high visibility patrols alongside plain clothed colleagues to tackle thieves in the run up to Christmas. Areas such Kings Walk, Eastgate Shopping Centre and Gloucester Quays will all be targeted by the officers.

As well as supporting businesses, officers will also be dealing with issues of anti-social behaviour.

Inspector Emma MacDonald said: "While this year's Christmas will clearly be very different, we are still expecting Gloucester to be busy with shoppers over the next two weeks.

"Shoplifting is extremely costly for retailers, who have already had a tough year. We will be working around the town to help protect people and deal with opportunistic shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.

"Christmas can be a stressful time and we want to help people enjoy their preparations as much as possible.

"Anyone who has concerns about anything they see whilst Christmas shopping can speak to a member of the team who is on patrol or at one of our engagement vehicles as we will be more than happy to help."

Crime prevention advice for when you're out and about can be found here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/shoplifting/spot-a-shoplifter/