Shoplifting – Wells City Centre

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.

Actions

• 22 March 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.