Street drinking and related ASB/criminality – 2026

This priority was originally agreed in December 2025. It was reviewed in February 2026 and remains our local priority.

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

• 10 February 2026
  

  Actions taken to date:

  02/12/2025

  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.

  16/12/2025

  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.
  13/01/2026
  The Winter of Action campaign continues to gain momentum in Weston-super-Mare Town Centre, with Avon and Somerset Police reinforcing the local Neighbourhood Policing Team through extra officers and support from multi-agency partners.

  Some of our activities since last update:

  – A 16-year-old male was observed acting suspiciously. Following a foot chase, he was stopped and found in possession of suspected Class A drugs and a quantity of cash.

  The individual was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and three counts of assaulting emergency workers. He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

  – A man of no fixed address arrested and charged with shop theft

  – A man from Haywood Village arrested for a public order offence after being abusive to mounted officers and PCSO’s; issued a 48-hour dispersal notice. The man was with his partner and young child and was causing harassment, alarm and distress to the wider community.

  – A man from the Town Centre arrested on suspicion of domestic violence-related offences

  – Several individuals stopped and searched

  – One vulnerable female safeguarded and offered support

  – Vital information and intelligence reports regarding criminal activity obtained from members of the public

  ur message is clear: Weston Town Centre is for everyone to enjoy safely. Anti-social behaviour and crime will not be tolerated. Expect enforcement if you refuse to engage with support services.

  With excellent CCTV coverage and proactive policing, persistent offenders will be targeted.

  Winter of Action activities in numbers since last update:

  – Number of arrests – 8

  – Report for summons – 2

  – Section 35 dispersals – 3

  – Intelligence reports – 16

  – Stop searches – 7

  – Seizures (drugs and alcohol) – 4

  – Crimes reported – 1
  27/01/2026
  On 06/01/2026 the Winter of Action activity has continued with a focus on Weston Super Mare Town Centre. Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers have been joined by North Somerset Council CCTV Operators, Community Response Officers and Street Wardens as well as Outreach Support from Somewhere to Go.

  The aims of the Winter of Action are to reduce Anti-Social Behaviour, Business Crime and Violence against Women and Girls. We will offer support and signpost vulnerable individuals, but where people are turning down the support, not engaging and actively committing crime, to ensure that there is a meaningful consequence to their behaviour. This will sometimes be via a Court Outcome, but the local Neighbourhood Teams are now commonly utilising Anti-Social Behaviour tools and powers such as Community Protection Notices and Criminal Behaviour Orders as a means of placing restrictions on problematic individuals.

  Two arrests were made in relation to a Breach of a Court Order and Breach of Community Protection notice. Four people were detained for the purpose of a search with suspected cannabis and ketamine being seized as well as stolen property. Two people were dispersed from a mapped area due to engaging in persistent Anti-Social Behaviour and vital intelligence was provided from members of the public.

  Work is ongoing outside of these days of action with the local Neighbourhood Team regularly linking in with Outreach Charities, Educational Establishments, Local Businesses and places of worship to ensure that information is being shared and the Police are proactively managing emerging threats and risks.

  As always, we are committed to making Weston Super Mare safer for all to enjoy. We would like to thank our partners and the public for your support and dedication in making the Winter of Action intensification successful.