Crime in portishead west, north somerset

Retail theft remains a significant issue across the country, with businesses—from small independent shops to large national retailers—losing hundreds to thousands of pounds each week.

Despite preventative measures such as employing security staff and installing CCTV systems, these efforts are often insufficient to deter the most prolific offenders. The local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) is actively reviewing reports to identify and target repeat offenders. However, we are aware that many incidents go unreported, often due to varying policies and procedures across businesses.

We strongly encourage all retailers to report every instance of shoplifting and to support investigations by providing CCTV footage and witness statements. Timely and consistent reporting is vital in helping us build strong cases and take effective action.

In addition to pursuing criminal investigations, the NPT is working closely with the Anti-Social Behaviour Team to implement alternative interventions aimed at disrupting persistent offending. One such measure currently being used is the issuance of Community Protection Warnings (CPWs), which form part of a broader strategy to address repeat offending and protect local businesses.

The team have received an increase in reports of vehicles being parked dangerously along Down Road particularly around school drop off and pick up times. This endangers other road users including young children. 

We will increase our patrols in the area where our shift pattern and demand allow. We will be looking to engage with drivers offering them education and enforcement where necessary.

Drug supply remains a significant concern within our neighbourhoods, impacting community safety, increasing anti-social behaviour, and contributing to wider criminal activity. Intelligence and recent reports indicate that individuals and organised groups are actively involved in the distribution of controlled substances in the area, which poses a serious risk to vulnerable residents and undermines public confidence.

The team will always look to disrupt and deter those involved in drug supply through proactive policing, partnership working, and community engagement. By focusing on enforcement, safeguarding, and prevention, we aim to reduce the availability of illegal drugs, protect those at risk of exploitation, and create a safer environment for everyone. We would encourage anyone who has information regarding drugs supply to report this. This can be done via calling 101, reporting online via the Avon and Somerset Police website or Crimestoppers. All reports will be treated with confidentiality and sensitively.