Shoplifting – Wells City Centre

Agreed on 27 August 2026. Updated on 27 August 2026

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.

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September 2026:

Officers have continued to carry out high visibility patrols in the High Street and surrounding areas as part of ongoing efforts to address this priority. Regular beat surgeries have been held within the city centre, providing opportunities for residents, businesses, and visitors to speak directly with neighbourhood officers and raise any concerns. Marked police vehicles have also been positioned at key locations throughout the city to increase police visibility, offer reassurance to the community, and help deter criminality and anti-social behaviour.