Over the next few weeks, we are shining a spotlight on Gloucestershire's town centres. And each week has its own focus.

The action runs from 26 October to 23 November and will highlight the dedication of neighbourhood policing teams, local authorities, businesses and community partners across every district in Gloucestershire, with a focus on town centres.

Our town centres are at the heart of community life. They are places where people shop, meet and access vital services, they are the hubs of communities, which is why it is so important that you feel safe and confident when spending time there.

The first week of the campaign focuses on the powers available to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime. Such as making effective use of tools such as Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs), Community Protection Notices (CPNs) and Closure Orders.

During week two, we will highlight the importance of partnership working. Week three coincides with Safer Action Business Week (SaBA), providing an opportunity to showcase the strong relationships that exist between policing teams and the business community.

Week four will focus on the wider activity helping to improve safety in our town centres. From high-visibility patrols and crime prevention advice to work supporting the night-time economy.

I have spoken to the Neighbourhood Policing Inspectors from each district about what they’re focusing on in their town centres:

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Tewkesbury, Lee Solly said: “Following recent success in closing a problematic vape shop on Tewkesbury High Street we intend to follow up on the community intelligence we have received by conducting licensing and test purchasing operations across Tewkesbury Borough.

To support us in this we are working alongside partners such as immigration, the Department for Work and Pensions, and Trading Standards. Our aim is very much to reduce the antisocial behaviour that people experience in our towns.”

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Stroud and The Forest of Dean, Jacqui Weller said: “In Stroud we are focusing on tackling anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, particularly around some of the bigger events in the town that coincide with half-term.

And in the Forest, we’re tackling anti-social behaviour and supporting vulnerable people through multi-agency partnership working and lots of engagement with local businesses.”

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for the Cotswolds, Philippa Moore said: “In the Cotswolds we’re doing extra training for professionals in the town around safety, including extra checks on licenced premises and checking on premises with closure orders.”

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Cheltenham, Steve Benbow said: “You can expect to see extra uniformed officers on patrol, the police engagement vehicle in the town and a real focus on shoplifters.”

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Gloucester, James O’Neil said: “Gloucester’s activity will focus on tackling anti-social behaviour, including street drinking and retail crime. Through coordinated weeks of action and targeted enforcement we will take proactive measures to improve safety and reduce offending in Gloucester city centre.”

Please play your part in the community by always reporting to the police any anti-social behaviour you see.