Your neighbourhood policing team
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).
Youth Engagement Officer
Crime Prevention Officer
Crimes and priorities
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Priority:
Action taken:
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Priority:
The Team are focussing on providing reassurance and support for those that are vulnerable living in the area. This ranges from dealing with referrals for safeguarding, from ACTION FRAUD ref: online Fraud scammer and also Telephone Scammers to Mental Health and Elderly Members of the Public , particularly those with Dementia, that need Police assistance.
Action taken:
The Local Officers continue to work closely with the Cheltenham Vulnerability Officers and Fraud Department, to carry out safeguarding visits. The Team has Liaison with local GP's, social care and works with family members to protect those that are the most vulnerable within our Community. Keeping data up to date on those vulnerable living within the area, can assist if concern is raised for these individuals, i.e. they have not been seen for some time, or their mental health is showing signs of decline.
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Priority:
The Team are focussing on the increase of reported Burgalries and Theft from Motor Vehicles.
Action taken:
Targeted patrols and looking at Ringdoorbell footage provided by the Community is assisting to identify those involved with theft from M/V and Brugalries. Work continues by the Team to identify these offenders and to get them before the courts. As the weather gets warmer, we remind you to not leave windows and doors open when you are not at home , and to be viligant when doors open and you are in the garden. Please also do not leave valuables in your Vehicles.