Shoppers and visitors to South Gloucestershire’s high streets can expect a warm welcome this summer, as South Gloucestershire Council and the Police join the Government’s Safer Streets pledge to tackle theft and anti-social behaviour.
South Gloucestershire is home to vibrant high streets where people work, relax, and enjoy their leisure time. However, like many town centres, crime and anti-social behaviour can occasionally pose challenges. This national initiative aims to enhance safety across four of the district’s high streets through targeted outreach and crime prevention work.
Launching this August, the South Gloucestershire Community Safety Partnership will introduce ‘Safer Streets South Glos’, featuring increased visibility from both Council and Police teams. They will offer information, advice, and guidance to members of the public and local businesses on safety-related issues.
The initiative will focus on Chipping Sodbury, Kingswood, Thornbury, and Yate — town centres with active nighttime economies that can sometimes experience alcohol-related incidents and anti-social behaviour. Funding from the Home Office will support efforts to keep these areas safe and welcoming for all.
Each high street will host two days of focused activity, giving visitors, employees, and residents the opportunity to ask questions and raise any concerns. Officers from the partnership will be joined by Police and other partner organisations.
The dates of the Safer Streets events are:
• Thornbury High Street: Thursday 21 August, 10am-2pm and Tuesday 26 August, 1-4pm
• Yate Shopping Centre: Thursday 7 August, 10am-2pm and Tuesday 9 September, 1-4pm
• Chipping Sodbury High Street: Tuesday 26 August, 10am-2pm and Thursday 4 September, 1-4pm
• Kings Chase Shopping Centre, Kingswood: Thursday 7 August, 3-7pm and Saturday 23 August, 10am-2pm.
Councillor Sean Rhodes, cabinet member with responsibility for community safety, said: “South Gloucestershire Council is pleased to have signed up to the national Safer Streets scheme to help keep our high streets safe, attractive, and enjoyable places to spend time in.
“We want to meet people to discuss any concerns and will assess the levels of crime in each area. By working with town and parish councils and shopping centre management teams we aim to share best practice and pinpoint the cause of any issues.
“We want to crackdown on the small minority who cause a nuisance, or take part in more serious crime, and can cause problems. Anti-social behaviour, theft, criminal activity and violence will not be tolerated, and we are determined to keep our high streets safe for everyone.”
Further work to reduce crime will continues with commissioned intervention programmes including boxing, 1-2-1 support, motoring courses and group sessions to divert young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour. Localised problems with speeding and e-scooters will also be addressed under the Safer Streets scheme.
For further information on the work of the Community Safety Partnership and South Gloucestershire’s Violence Reduction Partnership visit https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/community-safety/
