POLICE DETAILS
Avon and Somerset Constabulary - Wells City Neighbourhood

???? Theft from Motor Vehicles on the Rise in Wells????

We’ve seen an increase in thefts from vehicles in the Wells area recently. Please help us reduce these incidents by taking a few simple precautions:

???? Always lock your vehicle, even if you're only stepping away for a moment.
???? Don’t leave valuables on display — remove or hide them from view.
????? Consider security marking your belongings to make them less attractive to thieves and easier to recover.
???? If you have CCTV or dashcam footage that may help, please get in touch.

Let’s work together to keep our community safe. If you see anything suspicious, report it via 101 or online.

#Wells #VehicleCrime #CommunitySafety #PCSO #CrimePrevention

The local NPT have been on foot, bike and mobile patrol around the local car parks and tourist locations, this will continue to be our focus with Christmas being a very busy time with shoppers.
Please do not leave valuables on show in your vehicles.

The Wells Police Neighbourhood Officers have been made aware of public concern circulating on social media regarding the 'no right turn' restriction into College Road from Bristol Hill, Wells. In response:

• Somerset Council has attended the location and repainted the road markings to improve visibility and compliance.
• The Neighbourhood Policing Team has been actively patrolling the area to monitor traffic behaviour and reassure the public.

Police have been conducting high visibility, proactive patrol of the junction and over 3 days this week have stopped 12 drivers who have breached the No Right Turn traffic sign. Details of drivers and vehicles have been obtained and suitable sanctions applied.

Shoplifting continues to be a concern in the city centre.
To address this, the Police Neighbourhood Team and Special Constables have been carrying out high-visibility patrols.
Recently, local business owners met with police representatives to discuss how they can work together to tackle the issue more effectively.
As part of the Neighbourhood Guarantee, additional officers are being deployed to areas most in need across Avon and Somerset — and Wells High Street has been identified as one of those priority areas.

Other initiatives are also being looked into to try and tackle the thefts taking place, and as soon as there is more information about this, it will be added to this post.

If you are a business owner in the city please continue to report any incidents either online or via 101.

Wells Neighbourhood Team are still working closely with the retail premises in the city centre.
Over the last 28 days there were 5 shoplifting incidents reported to Police and 3 of those have known offenders.
 

The Wells Beat Team has received reports of an increasing number of e-scooters and Surron-style electric bikes being used around the city.

We’d like to remind residents that privately owned e-scooters and non-road-legal electric bikes are not permitted on public roads, pavements, or open spaces. When used unlawfully, these vehicles are subject to seizure and destruction.

In fact, the team has already seized and destroyed an illegally used e-scooter in Wells.

If you witness the use of an e-scooter or Surron bike in a public area, please report it to the police:

• ???? 999 – for emergencies or if a crime is in progress
• ???? 101 – for non-emergencies
• ???? Or report online via the Avon and Somerset Police website

Community Update: Illegal Use of Electric Scooters and Bikes
The Wells Neighbourhood Police Team would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has reported incidents involving the illegal use of electric scooters and bikes in Wells City and the surrounding rural areas. Your vigilance plays a vital role in keeping our community safe.
We’ve seen a noticeable increase in public concern, particularly on social media, regarding the speed and behaviour of some of these vehicles. Many residents have expressed feeling unsafe, and we take these concerns seriously.
If you witness any illegal use of electric scooters or bikes, please report it by calling 101. Your reports help us take appropriate action and ensure our streets remain safe for everyone.
Thank you for your continued support.

The Wells Neighbourhood Police Team will be working closely with the city’s night-time economy to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Local establishments will be encouraged to actively participate in this initiative, fostering a safer environment for all.

The neighbourhood team have also been visiting the local hairdresser and nail bars issuing advice and information about VAWG. They have also promoted the Walk and Talk initiative that can be applied for our web pages by following this link - https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/apply/walk-and-talk/

You can also report feeling unsafe in public spaces via the StreetSafe app, completely anonymously. Whether it’s due to environmental reasons, such as poor street-lighting or anti-social behaviour or harassment, reports to the app are shared with your local police force and local authorities for action.

Shoplifting continues to be one of our 2026 priorities and is having a negative impact on businesses, staff, and public confidence within Wells city centre and remains a priority for local policing. Wells High Street has been identified as a particular hotspot due to the concentration of retail premises and footfall, making it more vulnerable to repeat offending. Persistent shoplifting affects livelihoods, creates fear and frustration for staff, and can contribute to wider antisocial behaviour if not addressed.

In response, the Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team is maintaining a focused and consistent approach to deter offences, identify offenders, and support retailers. This priority reflects ongoing concerns raised by local businesses and the community and ensures that resources, patrol activity, and partnership working are directed to areas where they are most needed.

What we are doing

Regular high?visibility patrols by the Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team and Special Constables.

Wells High Street identified as a priority location under the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, with additional officers deployed.

Ongoing engagement with local businesses to improve information sharing and joint problem?solving.

In 2025 we have worked with the local businesses to help reduce shoplifting around the City this has included multi agency meetings, high visibility targeted patrols by the neighbourhood teams, and the arrest and charging of individuals for shoplifting offences.  We plan to build on this success in 2026.

The Wells Neighbourhood Police Team will be working closely with the city’s night-time economy to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Local establishments will be encouraged to actively participate in this initiative, fostering a safer environment for all.

The neighbourhood team have also been visiting the local hairdresser and nail bars issuing advice and information about VAWG. They have also promoted the Walk and Talk initiative that can be applied for our web pages by following this link - https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/apply/walk-and-talk/

You can also report feeling unsafe in public spaces via the StreetSafe app, completely anonymously. Whether it’s due to environmental reasons, such as poor street-lighting or anti-social behaviour or harassment, reports to the app are shared with your local police force and local authorities for action.

VAWG Prevention Activity – Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team
Over the past few weeks, the Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team has focused on preventing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) through a series of proactive community‑based initiatives. Officers have held Beat Surgeries in prominent locations across the city, providing accessible opportunities for members of the public to seek advice, raise concerns, and engage directly with the team.
In addition to this, officers have visited local schools to share important information about personal safety, healthy relationships, and available support services. These sessions aim to strengthen awareness among young people and encourage early conversations around safeguarding.
The team has also been actively promoting the Walk and Talk Scheme, encouraging women and girls to meet with officers while walking through their communities and discuss any concerns or areas where they feel unsafe. This scheme continues to play an important role in fostering trust, improving local safety, and ensuring that policing activity is guided by the experiences of women and girls in the area.

Shoplifting continues to be one of our 2026 priorities and is having a negative impact on businesses, staff, and public confidence within Wells city centre and remains a priority for local policing. Wells High Street has been identified as a particular hotspot due to the concentration of retail premises and footfall, making it more vulnerable to repeat offending. Persistent shoplifting affects livelihoods, creates fear and frustration for staff, and can contribute to wider antisocial behaviour if not addressed.

In response, the Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team is maintaining a focused and consistent approach to deter offences, identify offenders, and support retailers. This priority reflects ongoing concerns raised by local businesses and the community and ensures that resources, patrol activity, and partnership working are directed to areas where they are most needed.

What we are doing

Regular high‑visibility patrols by the Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team and Special Constables.

Wells High Street identified as a priority location under the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, with additional officers deployed.

Ongoing engagement with local businesses to improve information sharing and joint problem‑solving.

In 2025 we have worked with the local businesses to help reduce shoplifting around the City this has included multi agency meetings, high visibility targeted patrols by the neighbourhood teams, and the arrest and charging of individuals for shoplifting offences.  We plan to build on this success in 2026.

The Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to maintain a visible presence in the city centre through regular patrols and engagement with the community. Officers have been holding Beat Surgeries at prominent locations, providing opportunities for members of the public to raise concerns and receive crime‑prevention advice.

The team is also strengthening relationships with local businesses, ensuring that emerging issues are identified and addressed promptly. Recent CCTV enquiries have resulted in several positive identifications of offenders, and officers are actively progressing these investigations to bring them to a timely conclusion.

The Wells Neighbourhood Police Team will be working closely with the city’s night-time economy to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Local establishments will be encouraged to actively participate in this initiative, fostering a safer environment for all.

The neighbourhood team have also been visiting the local hairdresser and nail bars issuing advice and information about VAWG. They have also promoted the Walk and Talk initiative that can be applied for our web pages by following this link - https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/apply/walk-and-talk/

You can also report feeling unsafe in public spaces via the StreetSafe app, completely anonymously. Whether it’s due to environmental reasons, such as poor street-lighting or anti-social behaviour or harassment, reports to the app are shared with your local police force and local authorities for action.

Your Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team have been carrying out regular patrols in hotspot locations, including local parks and the High Street, as part of our ongoing work to tackle violence against women and girls and improve safety across the community.

Officers have also been engaging with night-time economy businesses, offering guidance and working in partnership to help ensure that venues remain safe spaces for everyone, particularly during busy evening periods.
We are continuing to plan ahead for the upcoming World Cup, when increased footfall is expected, to make sure appropriate measures are in place to protect those enjoying the town’s nightlife.
We take all reports seriously and encourage anyone who feels unsafe or has concerns to speak with officers on patrol or report incidents.
Together, we can make Wells a safer place for everyone. If you see us out and about, please come and say hello.

Shoplifting continues to be one of our 2026 priorities and is having a negative impact on businesses, staff, and public confidence within Wells city centre and remains a priority for local policing. Wells High Street has been identified as a particular hotspot due to the concentration of retail premises and footfall, making it more vulnerable to repeat offending. Persistent shoplifting affects livelihoods, creates fear and frustration for staff, and can contribute to wider antisocial behaviour if not addressed.

In response, the Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team is maintaining a focused and consistent approach to deter offences, identify offenders, and support retailers. This priority reflects ongoing concerns raised by local businesses and the community and ensures that resources, patrol activity, and partnership working are directed to areas where they are most needed.

What we are doing

Regular high‑visibility patrols by the Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team and Special Constables.

Wells High Street identified as a priority location under the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, with additional officers deployed.

Ongoing engagement with local businesses to improve information sharing and joint problem‑solving.

In 2025 we have worked with the local businesses to help reduce shoplifting around the City this has included multi agency meetings, high visibility targeted patrols by the neighbourhood teams, and the arrest and charging of individuals for shoplifting offences.  We plan to build on this success in 2026.

Continued patrols within the High Street & visits to various Businesses. We are working with Businesses to reduce the occurrence’s of shop theft.

VAWG Prevention Activity – Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team

Over the past few weeks, the Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team has focused on preventing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) through a series of proactive community‑based initiatives. Officers have held Beat Surgeries in prominent locations across the city, providing accessible opportunities for members of the public to seek advice, raise concerns, and engage directly with the team.

In addition to this, officers have visited local schools to share important information about personal safety, healthy relationships, and available support services. These sessions aim to strengthen awareness among young people and encourage early conversations around safeguarding.

The team has also been actively promoting the Walk and Talk Scheme, encouraging women and girls to meet with officers while walking through their communities and discuss any concerns or areas where they feel unsafe. This scheme continues to play an important role in fostering trust, improving local safety, and ensuring that policing activity is guided by the experiences of women and girls in the area.

Shoplifting continues to be one of our 2026 priorities and is having a negative impact on businesses, staff, and public confidence within Wells city centre and remains a priority for local policing. Wells High Street has been identified as a particular hotspot due to the concentration of retail premises and footfall, making it more vulnerable to repeat offending. Persistent shoplifting affects livelihoods, creates fear and frustration for staff, and can contribute to wider antisocial behaviour if not addressed.In response, the Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team is maintaining a focused and consistent approach to deter offences, identify offenders, and support retailers. This priority reflects ongoing concerns raised by local businesses and the community and ensures that resources, patrol activity, and partnership working are directed to areas where they are most needed.What we are doing

Regular high‑visibility patrols by the Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team and Special Constables.

Wells High Street identified as a priority location under the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, with additional officers deployed.

Ongoing engagement with local businesses to improve information sharing and joint problem‑solving.

The team is also strengthening relationships with local businesses, ensuring that emerging issues are identified and addressed promptly. Recent CCTV enquiries have resulted in several positive identifications of offenders, and officers are actively progressing these investigations to bring them to a timely conclusion.