Wells City — Neighbourhood Policing Team

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.

Set: 2026-06-04

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.

Set: 2026-06-04