Avon and Somerset Police have received £438million in funding from the government to crack down on crime.

The funding is intended to help begin to restore neighbourhood policing, fight back against shoplifting and give officers resources to tackle knife crime.

Local MP Dan Norris said: “After 14 years of neglect under the last government, this renewed commitment to neighbourhood policing is long overdue. “

Every neighbourhood will have a dedicated, contactable officer who knows their local area.

Meanwhile, a 2014 decision will also be reversed to ensure all shoplifting cases involving items under £200 are properly investigated.

The new law will also introduce a new standalone offence of assaulting retail workers to tackle the theft and violence against shop worker 'epidemics'.