Police crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Oakley following numerous arson incidents
There have been a dozens of reports of anti-social behaviour over the past few months
The Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team is taking part in a cocooning day as part of the response to arsons in Oakley.
This will see officers head out onto the estate from 10.30am to 3.30pm today along with people from a number of other agencies.
It's after a spate of arsons and anti-social behaviour over recent months and today officers are teaming up with Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) to engage with the local community.
As well as Police and GFRS, people from Cheltenham Borough Council and the Cheltenham Town Community Trust will also be showing their support.
Tackling anti-social behaviour was one of the manifesto pledges from Gloucestershire's newly-elected Police and Crime Commissioner.
PCC Chris Nelson said: "I've been calling for a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour: a change in attitude and a change in culture.
"I think the cocooning is all about a better use of resources and taking a partnership approach, a proper neighbourhood policing approach which will hopefully address these sorts of problems.
"Because if you leave it too late and you're actually getting the arsons it really takes more resources to solve problems then than if you solve the issue early on."
The event hopes to create more confidence within the community and will encourage residents to sign up for Community Alerts and Neighbourhood Watch as well as engage with education opportunities from GRFS about the dangers of start fires.
Acting Inspector Steve Benbow said: "Cocooning is a great way to focus on one particular area, literally wrapping it with resources and making sure that we reach every resident to provide crime prevention and fire safety advice.
“This is half term week so we are hoping to attract younger residents on the street and we will also be having our Crime shop there and bicycle marking too.”
Cllr Flo Clucas, cabinet member for safety and communities at Cheltenham Borough Council said: “Next week, a new chapter starts in Oakley.
"This event will encourage the community to come together, have new experiences and help, with a real community focus. We’re pleased to be working with the Police, Fire Service and trust, and hope this will give everyone the opportunity to rebuild the community we all love.”