Thefts from shops
It has come to Wells NPT attention that tensions are rising within the community and local shops after reports of thefts where in some cases after being challenged has resulted in staff injury.
Wells NPT would like to advise all shop workers to only challenge a suspected shoplifter if it is safe to do so. Your safety is the priority and your health is worth more than stolen goods.
Wells NPT have been distributing NPT contact list and have been increasing their patrols both in and outside the shops.
If an incident is happening call 999 straight away due to the current risks.
Please reach out to us via 101 or SomEastNPTMendipWest@avonandsomerset.police.uk if you would like further advice and guidance on this issue.
Actions
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19 January 2024
Wells NPT continue to work with local shop owners in order to prevent thefts from occurring.
Work is ongoing with Somerset Council CCTV to provide Wells with better coverage as well as the potential to provide shops with a better communication network.
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13 October 2023
On 6/10/23, following a 999 call reporting a theft in progress, officers from the Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team were deployed to the city centre area. As a result, within 10 minutes, over £700 worth of stolen items were returned to the store and a suspect is now in custody.