Crime in Minehead, Somerset West and Taunton

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Over the past month, officers have maintained a strong focus on tackling reports of anti‑social driving across the area. Acting on information provided by the community, targeted patrols have been carried out, resulting in several drivers being issued Section 59 warnings.
These warnings are issued when a vehicle is driven in a careless or anti‑social way that negatively impacts others. Once given, the warning remains in place for 12 months and is linked to the driver and/or the vehicle. Any repeat behaviour during that time can lead to the vehicle being seized by police immediately.
Our aim is to intervene early, discourage ongoing nuisance behaviour, and improve safety and quality of life for residents.
We continue to rely on the support of the public, and we are grateful to those who have come forward with information. Your reports directly influence where we deploy our resources and help us take proportionate action against those responsible.
If you are experiencing issues with anti‑social driving in your area, please continue to report it so we can respond effectively and keep our neighbourhoods 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

Recent work tackling youth anti-social behaviour (ASB) has shown clear positive progress, particularly through the effective use of ASB warning letters alongside wider intervention tools. Early intervention remains a key strength, with timely and well-targeted letters helping to set clear expectations for behaviour and prevent escalation. Many young people have not come to further notice after receiving an initial warning, highlighting the value of this approach. Involving parents and guardians has also improved accountability and supported behaviour change within the home.

Stronger partnership working between police, schools, local authorities, and youth services has enabled earlier identification of those at risk and ensured a more coordinated and supportive response. This has been complemented by the use of additional tools such as acceptable behaviour contracts, community protection warnings, and diversionary activities, which provide a balanced approach between enforcement and support.
Overall, there has been a reduction in repeat incidents and fewer reports of youth ASB in key areas, alongside improved community confidence. Residents have responded positively to the proactive and preventative approach being taken. Continued focus on early intervention, engagement, and partnership working will be key to sustaining these improvements.

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