Wells Rural — Neighbourhood Policing Team

Wells Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team – Poaching Awareness & Rural Crime Update Wells Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team is continuing to work closely with local communities, farmers, and partner agencies to tackle poaching and wider rural crime across the Wells and Mendip areas. This ongoing effort combines proactive patrols, community engagement, and crime prevention advice to protect wildlife, farmland, and local livelihoods. Ongoing Poaching Awareness Residents are being asked to stay alert to signs of poaching, particularly during darker evenings and early mornings when offenders often operate. Poaching is illegal and can cause significant harm to wildlife, damage farmland, and put livestock at risk. It is also commonly linked to other criminal activity, including trespassing and property damage. Poaching may involve: Illegal hunting of deer, hare, or game Entering private land without permission Use of lamps, lurchers, or night-hunting equipment Suspicious activity in fields or woodland outside legal seasons Key signs to watch for: Vehicles parked in gateways, tracks, or laybys late at night Bright lamps or torches sweeping across fields Individuals with dogs or hunting equipment People accessing farmland without permission Anyone witnessing suspicious activity is encouraged to report it via 101 , or 999 if a crime is in progress . Reports can also be submitted online via the Avon & Somerset Police website. 7 May 2026 – Proactive Patrols On 7 May 2026 , Wells NPT confirmed they are continuing proactive patrols across rural areas, focusing on known poaching hotspots. Officers are working closely with landowners and partner agencies to deter offending, protect wildlife, and provide reassurance to the community. Crime prevention advice includes: Report suspicious vehicles or individuals promptly Note vehicle registrations and descriptions where safe Install gates, signage, CCTV, or trail cameras Join Farm Watch or Rural Watch schemes Avoid confronting suspects—contact police instead 22 March 2026 – Rural Community Update On 22 March 2026 , Wells NPT provided a detailed update on their wider rural policing work. Rural Patrols & Poaching Prevention Regular patrols have been carried out to deter poaching and hare coursing, forming part of efforts to protect farmland, livestock, and wildlife. Community intelligence remains vital in helping police target patrols effectively. Engagement with Farmers and Landowners Officers have been actively visiting farms and rural locations, building relationships, listening to concerns, and offering tailored advice and support. Rural Beat Surgeries Beat surgeries have been held across rural villages, giving residents opportunities to meet officers, raise concerns, and receive updates. Further dates are to be published online. Training & Partnership Work Officers attended a Hare Coursing and Rural Crime training event led by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) , covering: The impact of poaching and hare coursing on farms The wider effects of rural crime Improved joint working between police and NFU Best practices for prevention, reporting, and response This training has strengthened officers’ ability to respond effectively and support the rural community. 22 February 2026 – Patrol Activity and Community Engagement On 22 February 2026 , Wells NPT highlighted ongoing rural patrols across the Mendip area in response to concerns about poaching and wildlife crime. Officers: Conducted patrols in key rural locations Engaged with farmers and landowners to gather intelligence Shared reporting advice to help communities identify suspicious behaviour Attended beat surgeries and a rural community meeting Recent training has further improved the team’s capability to tackle countryside offences effectively. Working Together to Protect the Countryside The Wells Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to stress the importance of community support. Public reporting plays a vital role in building intelligence, shaping patrol plans, and preventing rural crime. The team extends thanks to all residents, farmers, and community members who continue to engage, attend local events, and share information. Together, we can help keep our countryside safe.

There has been a report of an unknown vehicle crashing through a low dry stone wall, then exiting through a large field of crops and ploughing through a set of wooden double Farm gates, causing damage to posts & gates. This has occurred remotely at Priddy. Although this may not be an act of Poaching, it is an act of mindless Criminal Damage. Neighbourhood Policing Teams have been and will continue to support our Local Rural community, & are directly patrolling the vulnerable remote areas to capture & deter any unwanted criminal activity.

Set: 2026-06-12

Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team – Fuel Theft Update & Prevention Advice Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) is continuing to address the growing issue of fuel theft across rural areas, as rising costs for heating oil, diesel, and petrol have increased the risk of opportunistic crimes. Residents, farmers, and businesses are being urged to review their fuel storage security and remain vigilant. Fuel theft can have a significant financial impact, particularly in rural communities, but simple preventative measures can greatly reduce the risk. Ongoing Police Activity On 7 May 2026 , Wells NPT confirmed that officers are carrying out proactive patrols across rural locations , focusing on key areas vulnerable to fuel theft. These patrols are aimed at deterring offenders, preventing further incidents, and reassuring local communities. Earlier, on 22 March 2026 , officers highlighted the importance of reviewing security arrangements, particularly for those in agriculture or reliant on oil heating, encouraging early action to deter opportunistic theft. The issue was first formally raised on 18 March 2026 , when concerns were identified around increased fuel theft linked to rising costs. Crime Prevention Advice Wells NPT is encouraging all residents and businesses to take practical steps to protect their fuel supplies. For homes (heating oil): Fit secure tank locks and keep fill points capped Install security lighting and consider CCTV Keep hedges and fencing maintained so tanks remain visible Mark tanks with your postcode or property name Regularly check fuel levels and report concerns promptly For farms and businesses (diesel and fuel storage): Store tanks, bowsers, and vehicles in secure, well-lit locations Lock compounds, gates, and restrict access to authorised individuals Monitor and record fuel levels regularly Keep keys secure and update access codes when staff leave Install alarms, CCTV, and anti-siphon devices where possible Avoid advertising fuel deliveries and vary routines General advice: Position tanks in visible areas where possible Use motion-activated lighting to deter intruders Consider fuel marking or tracking solutions Stay alert to suspicious vehicles or activity Reporting Suspicious Activity Your vigilance plays a vital role in helping police respond effectively and prevent crime. Call 101 to report suspicious activity Call 999 if a crime is in progress Reports can also be made online via Avon & Somerset Police Working Together Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team would like to thank the community for its continued support. Sharing information with neighbours and taking preventative steps can make rural properties significantly harder targets for offenders. Together, we can help protect our communities and reduce rural crime.

Set: 2026-06-12