A police operation to tackle thieves in Gloucester city centre during the Christmas period has seen six people arrested for related offences.

Operation Blitzen has seen areas such Kings Walk, Eastgate Shopping Centre and Gloucester Quays being targeted by the officers to deal with issues such as theft and anti-social behaviour.

It has already helped prevent a number of incidents over the past three weeks.

Officers who are part of the City Team applied for Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBO) for two known shoplifters to prevent them from causing further problems in shopping areas.

A 23-year-old man was remanded in custody after being arrested for two breaches of his CBO and one count of theft.

A man and a woman were arrested for offences related to shoplifting after details were shared through the City Safe radio system, and their car was stopped by a traffic officer who spotted them in their vehicle.

As well as stopping thefts, officers on patrol have also been able to come to the aid of people as they did their Christmas shopping. In one instance, security staff in the city had identified a vulnerable elderly woman who had been separated from her husband. With the help of officers, the couple were able to be reunited.

Sergeant Andy Doyle said: "This has been a great start to Operation Blitzen, allowing us to take proactive action to prevent thieves from targeting businesses and shoppers in the city.

"I am pleased that my neighbourhood officers have made a huge difference, helping to cut the number of shoplifting incidents and arresting those who commit them.

"I would like to thank our colleagues in the Local Policing Team, Mounted Section, Special Constabulary, Training Assessment Unit and Force Control Room for the great support they have given us during this operation.

"We will continue to patrol Gloucester city centre to protect people and deal with opportunistic shoplifting and anti-social behaviour."

Anyone who wishes to contact their local team to raise any issues or concerns they have can do so by visiting the following URL and officers will see how they can assist: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/a/your-area/local-policing-team-contact/contact-your-local-policing-team