Gloucestershire Constabulary has increased its presence across Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, this March 2026 to address rising concerns about anti-social behaviour. The move comes as the town hosted the annual Cheltenham Festival, which brings a significant increase in visitors to the area.
Officers are carrying out more high-visibility patrols in known problem areas, such as the town centre and transport hubs. Specific attention is being given to the area around the Brewery and the local McDonald’s to ensure residents feel safe during the busy event season.
These efforts are part of a project known as Op Ash, which focuses on providing extra resources for weekend patrols in the town. The police are using feedback from local people to decide where these officers should be sent to have the most impact on public safety and traffic issues.
The police are working alongside the Cheltenham Borough Council and the Cheltenham Business Improvement District to manage the impact of the races. Inspector Steven Benbow from the constabulary said the force is committed to using resident feedback to improve how they police large events in the community.
This work includes a joint team called Solace, where the council and police coordinate their response to safety issues. By working together, the organisations aim to balance the needs of local neighbours with the busy nature of the festival season.
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