Shoplifting this festive season in Stroud fell by two thirds compared to last year.

Last month recorded shop thefts in the Stroud Urban area were down 69 per cent from the previous December, according to Gloucestershire Constabulary.

The force's stats also show a decrease of 16 per cent in the final quarter of 2018 - October, November and December.

Police welcomed the statistics in a community alert, and said Stroud's Neighbourhood Policing Team will continue working with local businesses and the community to prevent, deter and detect crime.