The MP and PCC visited Minehead Esplanade during the day to hear from businesses and residents. Picture: Google

MP and PCC in Minehead amid efforts to cut crime and anti-social behaviour

Paul JonesAugust 18, 20250 Comment0

MORE police will soon be on the streets of Minehead to tackle increased anti-social behaviour.

Earlier this month, MP Rachel Gilmour (Lib Dem, Tiverton and Minehead) was joined by Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Clare Moody for a walk around the town to meet some of those affected by bad behaviour.

The PCC met with Craig Palmer and Anne Lawton, mayor and deputy mayor of Minehead respectively, before meeting shopkeepers and residents on the Esplanade to hear about issues in the town.

Minehead neighbourhood police sergeant, Naomi Baker, was also on hand during some visits – and hearing about the crime affecting businesses and households.

The PCC visit came amid the launch of the Safer Streets Summer Initiative (SSSI) in Minehead, part of her Your Streets, My Priority campaign, underpinned by £5 million of Home Office funding and extra money for neighbourhood policing.

The scheme, which runs until the end of September, will see increased police presence on the streets, as well as ‘street surgeries’ and closer working with businesses and communities to tackle anti-social behaviour and shoplifting.

It has also been confirmed Minehead will receive extra hotspot action funding, to significantly increase the number hours Avon and Somerset Police officers will be visible on town streets.

The pair also visited Hindon Organic Farm, operated by Chris Webber, to discuss rural crime alongside Emily Martin, Somerset county advisor for the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).

The NFU’s rural crime statistics showed incidents increased by 168% from 2023 to 2024 and the MP and PCC agreed to work together on the issues raised.

Ms Gilmour said: “It was fantastic to once again have the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset in my constituency, for the third time already, to hear from my constituents directly about the issues that they face.

“The Safer Streets Summer Initiative will be a very useful way to increase the visible police presence in Minehead, and across urban areas in Somerset, which will go a long way to hopefully stamping out the ASB and shoplifting which we have seen too much of recently.

“It is right that rural crime is also given the spotlight, and I am very glad to have the core of the rural crime team in my constituency, headed up by our neighbourhood Inspector.

PCC Clare Moody, centre, and MP Rachel Gilmour, second from left, at Hindon Organic Farm

“Rates of rural crime are far too high, and I will be working with anyone who will listen to me to give my farmers, and people in my rural communities, the peace of mind to know that their issues are being dealt with.

“I look forward to hearing how the SSSI and Rural Crime Team can work to give reassurance to my constituents and tackle the scourge of rural and coastal crime faced in West Somerset.”

PCC Moody added: “It was great to be out with Rachel in Minehead, hearing directly from residents about the challenges they face, from anti-social behaviour to shoplifting and other concerns.

“I’m pleased we’re running the Safer Streets this Summer campaign as part of the Your Streets, My Priority agenda to respond to these issues. It’s vital that people report any crime incidents to the police.

“I also visited a farm to discuss rural crime, including organised criminal activity targeting farms. The force has a dedicated rural crime team committed to tackling these problems and responding to the concerns I heard today.”