Crime in Avonmouth and Lawrence Weston, Bristol, City of

Theft and shoplifting continue to be reported across the Kingsweston beat area, particularly within retail locations such as Ridingleaze and nearby industrial estates. Offences range from opportunistic shoplifting to the theft of high‑value industrial tools, vehicles and goods, often involving repeat offenders targeting local businesses. This type of crime can have a significant financial impact and contributes to wider issues such as anti-social behaviour and community concern.

Your neighbourhood policing team will be taking a proactive approach by carrying out targeted patrols in identified hotspot locations, including industrial areas vulnerable to tool theft. We will work closely with local businesses to identify and deal robustly with prolific offenders, share crime prevention advice and support reporting. Enforcement action will be taken where appropriate, including arresting repeat offenders and progressing cases through the courts. Officers will also continue to gather intelligence to build stronger cases against those involved in persistent offending. We encourage businesses and members of the public to report incidents and share information, as this helps us take effective, targeted action.

Throughout Bristol there are continuous reports of  potential locations for the cultivation, preparation and dealing of Controlled Drugs.

The area of Kingsweston is no different and the Neighbourhood Policing Team work in partnership with other agencies and the community in order to combat and attempt to shut down such premises.

Residents are encouraged to report all incidents to the police through 101 or 999.

Alternatively, you can report anonymously through CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

The sale of illicit tobacco, cigarettes and vapes, including to underage children, is a priority concern within the Kingsweston area. This type of activity undermines legitimate businesses, poses significant health risks and is often linked to wider criminality. Your neighbourhood policing team is taking a firm stance, working to identify and disrupt any premises found to be involved.

We are carrying out regular, targeted licensing checks at local stores and working closely with partner agencies, including Trading Standards, to ensure compliance. A zero-tolerance approach is being applied where offences are identified. This includes:

• Seizure of illicit tobacco, cigarettes and vapes
• Test purchase operations to identify underage sales
• Formal action against premises, including warning letters and licence reviews
• Prosecution of offenders where appropriate