The arrests form part of the force's wider #SaferTownCentres initiative

Six people have been arrested as part of a police crackdown on shoplifting, burglary and vehicle crime in Wolverhampton city centre.

Officers have stepped up their efforts to tackle offending in the city, with arrests linked to more than 25 shop thefts in the space of a week.

The action comes as West Midlands Police looks to reassure shoppers and businesses ahead of the winter months, with increased patrols and enforcement activity planned in crime hotspots.

Among those arrested were two men detained by plain-clothes officers following thefts at a convenience store near Wolverhampton bus station on Tuesday, October 27.

A 44-year-old man was subsequently charged with shop theft, while a second man, aged 43, was charged with the same offence, along with burglary and theft in connection with parcels stolen from a communal area of flats in Heath Town in September.

Another man, aged 44, was charged with 18 shop theft offences following a spate of incidents over the last month.

Police said clothing, food and other items worth around £2,000 had been stolen during the offences.

The man was arrested on Wednesday, October 28, and charged. He was also wanted on recall to prison and has since been returned to custody.

Meanwhile, a 24-year-old man has been charged with eight shop theft offences after coats, alcohol and other goods worth approximately £1,000 were stolen from stores over a four-week period.

He is due to appear before Dudley Magistrates' Court on December 10.

The man has been released on conditional bail, which prevents him from entering Wolverhampton city centre and St John's Retail Park ahead of his court appearance.

Police have also made two arrests in connection with vehicle-related crime in the city.

A 32-year-old woman was arrested in Dudley Street on Thursday following reports of cash, a mobile phone and a coat being stolen from two cars in separate incidents.

Officers also received reports of someone trying car door handles in the Dunstall Hill area.

The woman has since been charged with three offences in connection with the incidents.

In a separate investigation, a 27-year-old man was arrested in Cleveland Street on Sunday after a car was reported stolen from Bilston.

A bank card left inside the vehicle was subsequently used at a shop in Wolverhampton.

The man has been released on bail with strict conditions while enquiries continue.

The arrests form part of the force's wider #SaferTownCentres initiative, which aims to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour while making shopping areas safer for residents, visitors and businesses.

West Midlands Police said officers would continue to maintain a visible presence in the city centre and surrounding shopping areas throughout the winter.

A force spokesperson said: "As the nights draw in, we're shining a light on the work our teams are doing to keep Wolverhampton's town and shopping centres safe this winter.

"We know that theft of vehicles has a huge impact on those who fall victim to it.

"As part of #SaferTownCentres, we are working hard with our partners to make our town centre and shopping spaces as safe and welcoming as possible, for everyone."

Police added that reassurance patrols and targeted enforcement would continue in hotspot areas, with neighbourhood officers available to listen to concerns from members of the public.

Anyone wishing to report a crime or suspicious activity can contact West Midlands Police on 101 or use the Live Chat service on the force's website.