Street drinking and related ASB/criminality

We have seen a rise in reports involving members of the street community and street drinking, which has led to significant anti-social behaviour and criminality. Large groups, often exceeding ten individuals, are gathering in public spaces, consuming alcohol openly, and causing disruption to local businesses and members of the public. This behaviour frequently includes public order offences such as shouting, swearing, and creating excessive noise, as well as acts of public nuisance like urinating and defecating in open areas.

Actions

• 16 December 2025
  
  Winter of Action Intensifies in Weston-super-Mare Town Centre

  The Winter of Action initiative has been stepped up in Weston-super-Mare Town Centre in recent weeks, with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team strengthened by additional resources from Avon and Somerset Police and multi-agency partners.
  This collaborative approach is tackling issues linked to the street drinking community through a balance of engagement, signposting to support services, and enforcement where necessary. Community Response Officers, Street Wardens, and Police Community Support Officers have been working closely with vulnerable individuals to understand their needs and connect them with appropriate support. They also play a vital role in educating the public about the powers available to Police and the Council to address persistent anti-social behaviour.
  Today’s activity (16/12/2025) highlights the impact of this partnership approach:

  – A vulnerable woman at risk of criminal exploitation has been safeguarded by local officers.

  – Four stop searches resulted in the seizure of Class B drugs and stolen alcohol.

  – Four individuals were dispersed from a designated area following anti-social behaviour.

  – Two men are currently in custody—one arrested for shoplifting and racially aggravated offences, and another for persistently breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order.
  The message is clear: those who show no respect for the community, engage in anti-social behaviour, or ignore court-imposed conditions will be identified, arrested, and brought to justice.
  While some may dismiss these offences as minor, their persistent nature has a serious impact on the quality of life for others. Weston-super-Mare Town Centre is a safe space for everyone to enjoy, and we are committed to keeping it that way.
• 2 December 2025
  

  We are committed to tackling this issue and ensuring that our communities are both safe and feel safe. However, we recognise that this is a complex societal problem that cannot be solved through enforcement alone. Many individuals within the street community are vulnerable adults, often facing addiction issues and personal traumas that have contributed to their current circumstances.

  For this reason, a multi-agency approach is essential. Over the coming months, the local Neighbourhood Policing Team will be organising sporadic, multi-agency engagement events. During these operations, we will actively engage with members of the street community, ensuring they are aware of local charities offering support and signposting them to the local council’s homelessness prevention team to help them access accommodation.

  At the same time, we will continue to enforce the law and take action to prevent anti-social behaviour. This will be a combined effort between the police, the local council’s homeless prevention team, and charities such as Somewhere to Go. Together, we aim to balance enforcement with support, addressing the root causes of vulnerability while maintaining public safety and community confidence.