Dunster Crime Intelligence

In response to ongoing concerns about anti‑social driving, officers have recently issued a number of Section 59 warnings to drivers whose behaviour was causing alarm, distress, or disruption within the community. This have been issued following patrols focusing around the reports we have received.
A Section 59 warning is a power available to both Police Officers and PCSOs. It can be issued when a vehicle is used in an anti‑social or careless manner. The warning is recorded against the driver and/or the vehicle for 12 months. If the same driver or vehicle is involved in further similar behaviour within that period, officers have the power to seize the vehicle without further warning. These warnings are intended to address poor driving behaviour early and prevent further disruption.
We would like to thank residents who continue to report concerns, as this information helps us target patrols and take appropriate action. We encourage anyone affected by anti‑social driving to continue reporting issues so we can help keep our communities safe.

Our team has begun delivering student Walk & Talk sessions in local schools to support girls and female staff in sharing their experiences around safety, harassment, and unwanted behaviour. The first session has already taken place and was highly effective, providing valuable insight into how young people feel in different areas of the school and what changes would help them feel safer.

Following this positive response, we will be expanding the Walk & Talk programme to other schools across the area. These sessions allow us to listen directly to those affected, identify practical improvements, and strengthen early intervention around Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

To address this issue, we are taking proactive steps:

Increased Patrols: Officers will be conducting more frequent visits to retail areas.
Business Engagement: We are working closely with shop owners and staff to provide guidance on prevention strategies and reporting procedures.

If you are experiencing issues with shoplifting, remember to report these issues to us through the correct channels. You can report:

Online via Report shoplifting
By phone

Call 999 – for emergencies or if a crime is in progress.
Call 101 – for non-emergency situations or to provide information about a crime

In-person – visit your local Police Stations during their operational hours

We continue to respond to reports of youth‑related anti‑social behaviour in Minehead, including incidents that have caused nuisance, distress, or damage within the community. Our Neighbourhood Team remains committed to tackling these concerns promptly and effectively.
We are actively using a range of ASB interventions to encourage appropriate behaviour and deter further incidents. This includes engaging directly with young people, working with parents and schools, issuing proportionate warnings, and involving partner agencies where longer‑term support or enforcement is needed. These measures aim to prevent escalation and promote positive decision‑making among local young people.
We are already seeing positive results from this work, with a reduction in reported incidents in the areas where interventions have taken place and improved engagement with the individuals involved. We will continue to monitor and adapt our approach to ensure this progress continues.
High‑visibility patrols remain in place in the most affected locations, and we encourage residents to report any ongoing concerns so we can continue to target resources effectively.

We will be attending Party in the Park at Blenheim Gardens, Minehead on Saturday 9 May 2026, 12pm- 4pm, hosted by Minehead Rotary Club, to provide a crime prevention pop‑up for the local community.

Party in the Park is a free, family‑friendly community event celebrating Somerset Day, featuring live music, entertainment, community and craft stalls, and activities for children in the beautiful setting of Blenheim Gardens.

Please see our event on out local police page for more information on what to expect, we hope to see you there!
Event details | Avon and Somerset Police