Charlton Kings

My name is Steven Benbow and I am the Neighbourhood Inspector responsible for Cheltenham.

I joined Gloucestershire Constabulary in 2006 as a Police Community Support Officer in Cheltenham. This is where my enthusiasm for Neighbourhood Policing began.

In 2013 I joined as a police officer and worked in various departments including the Investigation Team and Response Teams in Cheltenham and Gloucester, but my passion still remained in Neighbourhood Policing and I knew this is where I wanted my career to develop.

I believe that by working with our community and partners we can create a safe town for all to enjoy, especially within the day and night time economies. It is vital that your Neighbourhood Policing Team builds strong relationships and understands the concerns of the community. Creating innovative ideas and partnerships within the community is key to understanding how Neighbourhood Policing can help the wide range of communities we police.

I was born and brought up in Cheltenham and I continue to love the town I live and raise my family in. I am proud to be from Cheltenham (especially having played in goal for the Robins for a small time) and I will strive for it to be a town we are all proud to live in.

Sgt Wilkinson first joined Gloucestershire Constabulary, as a Special Constable in 2006 and a year later joined as a Police Community Support Officer. He joined as a Police Officer in 2013 based in Gloucester Response, he worked his way up through the ranks to Police Sergeant and moved to Cheltenham Neighbourhood Team in 2024. Sgt Wilkinson has a vast experience of Neighbourhood Policing from starting his career as a PCSO. He is committed to making the Town a safer place for all to enjoy the Day and Night time Economies, including deterring and dealing with Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG).