POLICE across South Somerset and Mendip got a “warm reception” from the public during a week of action which saw a number of arrests.

Earlier this month, neighbourhood policing teams were out and about in communities, with operations including high-visibility patrols, mounted patrols and more.

Running from September 9 to 13, officers and specialist units were in Chard, Crewkerne, Frome, Somerton, Wells, Wincanton and Yeovil, responding to the most pressing issues reported by communities.

Proactive action included:
high-visibility patrols in city centres and town centres
one arrest for public order offences and assault in Yeovil town centre
three arrests for shoplifting, including a prolific shoplifter in Chard who has been charged with 10 counts of theft from multiple stores
one arrest for burglary
multiple anti-social behaviours orders issued to repeat offenders
farm visits, including using drone technology to survey locations
positive interactions with members of the public about crime prevention and road safety.

During a day of action in Wells, Avon and Somerset Police Chief Constable Sarah Crew joined neighbourhood officers, ASB officers and mounted officers in the city centre.

Avon & Somerset Police officers in Wells

Coinciding with market day, officers visited business premises to discuss effective ways of reporting crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) and spent time chatting with stallholders to discuss the impact of crime and ASB on transient businesses, including their feelings of safety in the city.

“Officers were met with a warm reception from both business owners and members of the public, who expressed their thanks and commented on how reassuring it was to see a heightened police presence in their community,” a spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, the Roads Policing Unit focused on major routes, including the A303 and A361, targeting drivers committing motoring offences.

Out on the roads of Somerset

Key road safety actions included:
one arrest and a motorcycle seized for drug-driving and not having a licence
three vehicle stops for licence plate offences and mobile phone use while driving

Addressing rural crime was another priority, which saw officers from the Rural Crime Team chatting to local farmers about protecting their equipment and promoting community safety through the Farm Watch scheme.

Chief Inspector Andrew Pritchard said: “Our week of action in South Somerset and the Mendips has demonstrated the power of neighbourhood policing and why being visible in our communities is so important.

“Neighbourhood policing is all about listening and responding to our communities’ needs, using targeted action to tackle community priorities, and empowering local people and businesses to report crime.

“This is our bread and butter, and the positive outcomes from the week are just a snapshot of what we do every day to disrupt crime and help make our streets safer.”