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Local policing teams are groups of officers dedicated to serving the community. Teams are made up of officers based in the area, supported by additional officers from the wider area.
Teams work closely with local authorities, organisations, partners and residents to decide policing priorities. This helps teams find long-term solutions to local problems.
This priority was originally agreed in December 2025. It was reviewed in February 2026, March 2026 as well as June 2026 and remains our local priority.
Small local shops and large retailers/supermarkets lose hundreds to thousands of pounds every week due to theft, which is a major problem across the country.
The quality of CCTV systems have improved considerably in recent years and many shops employ part time/full time security guards to deter any potential opportunists, however this does not stop the most prolific offenders.
Town Centre NPT have been working with local retailers and analysing crime data, which led to identification of top 5 most prolific shoplifters affecting businesses not only in the town centre area, but across whole of Weston super Mare.
Investigation into offences committed by these individuals is ongoing as well as background work with local Anti-social behaviour team in order to compile evidence package towards ASB interventions available to police disposal in an attempt to tackle their prolific offending.
10 February 2026 update
Actions since last review:
02/12/2025
As we approach the festive season, shoplifting incidents often increase, which can have serious consequences for local businesses and the wider community. To tackle this, local NPTs teams across North Somerset will be running an internal operation that includes additional high-visibility patrols in major shopping areas of Weston-super-Mare. Officers will be engaging with shopkeepers, providing reassurance, and responding swiftly to any reports of theft.
This proactive approach is about more than just preventing crime - it’s about protecting our communities from the ripple effects of shoplifting. When businesses suffer losses, it can lead to higher prices for customers and, in some cases, even the closure of local shops. By working together to reduce theft, we help ensure that our communities continue to thrive, with affordable goods and vibrant local shopping areas.
Alongside these visible patrols, we will continue to investigate shoplifting offences, focusing on the most prolific offenders. Where appropriate, we will seek interventions and apply measures aimed at managing and reducing their repeat offending. This combined approach of prevention and enforcement is designed to safeguard local businesses and maintain a strong, resilient community.
13/12/2025
December and the start of 2026 proved to be an exceptionally busy period for the local Neighbourhood Policing Team, supported by colleagues from the Neighbourhood Tasking Team, as we focused on tackling business crime.
In total, six prolific shoplifters were arrested and charged in connection with over 50 shoplifting offences. One offender received a Criminal Behaviour Order lasting three years, while others were handed custodial and suspended sentences. We also recovered designer perfumes worth £2,100 and carried out more than 80 hours of high-visibility patrols in key shopping areas, engaging with businesses and providing a strong deterrent to criminal activity.
These results highlight our unwavering commitment to keeping the public safe and protecting local businesses. Bringing offenders to justice is not only about accountability - it reassures the community that crime will not be tolerated. Achieving these outcomes on top of our day-to-day responsibilities demonstrates the dedication and resilience of our teams. Despite the constant demands of routine policing, we continue to deliver proactive enforcement, safeguard vulnerable individuals, and build strong partnerships to maintain public confidence and create a safer environment for everyone.
27/01/2026
Few weeks ago a prolific offender Ashley Watson was arrested by the Weston Town Centre Team and charged with 34 counts of shop theft. He appeared at Magistrates’ Court on 13 January 2026, where he was issued a 24‑week suspended sentence along with a three‑year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
However, just hours after leaving court, Watson entered the Co‑Op and stole a £6 pizza - immediately breaching his CBO.
He was quickly located and arrested by our North Somerset Neighbourhood Tasking Team, and returned to court today (16 January 2026).
The court activated the original 24‑week sentence and imposed a further 26 weeks for the new theft and the CBO breach, resulting in a total custodial sentence of 50 weeks.
Our message is clear: those who continue to offend and show disregard for court orders will be found, arrested, and brought before the courts.
4 March 2026 update
In recent weeks, officers from the Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team have been working hard to address business crime in Weston Town Centre and across North Somerset. Two prolific shoplifters were arrested and recalled to prison to complete the remainder of their sentences. We have also applied for Criminal Behaviour Orders for both individuals in order to further manage and prevent their repeat offending.
It’s an excellent result and sends a clear message that shoplifting will not be tolerated in Weston or across North Somerset. Tackling persistent offenders is crucial - not only to protect businesses, but to safeguard the wider community.
Shoplifting is often seen as a low‑level offence, but its impact is far‑reaching. For local shops, repeated theft can lead to increased costs, reduced staffing, and in some cases businesses struggling to survive. By taking decisive action against prolific offenders, we help create a safer and more stable trading environment where businesses can thrive rather than constantly absorb the losses caused by crime.
But the benefits go beyond the business community. When shoplifting is allowed to continue unchecked, prices rise to cover losses and the burden is ultimately passed on to the public. Intervening early and firmly helps prevent that financial impact on everyday shoppers and maintains confidence in our high streets.
Proactive enforcement also disrupts wider criminality. Shoplifting is often linked to other issues such as substance misuse, organised theft groups, and anti‑social behaviour. By taking strong action, officers are not just addressing individual incidents - they are reducing the conditions that allow other forms of crime and disorder to develop.
Issued 07 June 2026
Action taken:
Over the past two weeks, there has been a significant and highly productive push to tackle business crime, delivering tangible outcomes that directly support both local businesses and the wider community.
In total, two prolific shoplifters have been identified, arrested, and charged with 11 separate shop theft offences. In addition to this, a further three persistent offenders were located and arrested on outstanding warrants. The courts have also granted one Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) for a period of five years, with another currently pending a hearing. These results reflect a proactive and determined approach to addressing repeat offending and disrupting those individuals who have the greatest impact on local retailers. By focusing efforts on prolific offenders, we are not only reducing crime levels but also creating safer, more secure environments for businesses to operate in and for members of the public to shop and work. Importantly, this work has been delivered alongside ongoing day-to-day policing demand, demonstrating a strong and consistent commitment to protecting the community. Supporting businesses is a key part of neighbourhood policing, as thriving local shops and services contribute directly to safer, more confident communities. Tackling shop theft and associated anti-social behaviour helps to reduce harm, prevent escalation, and build trust with business owners who are often most affected. Overall, this is a fantastic achievement that highlights the team’s dedication, resilience, and continued focus on making a visible difference – ensuring that both businesses and the wider public feel supported, protected, and safe.
Actioned 20 May 2026
Priority:
This priority was originally agreed in December 2025. It was reviewed in February 2026, March 2026 as well as June 2026 and remains our local priority.
We have seen a rise in reports involving members of the street community and street drinking, which has led to significant anti-social behaviour and criminality. Large groups, often exceeding ten individuals, are gathering in public spaces, consuming alcohol openly, and causing disruption to local businesses and members of the public. This behaviour frequently includes public order offences such as shouting, swearing, and creating excessive noise, as well as acts of public nuisance like urinating and defecating in open areas.
10 February 2026 update
Actions taken to date:
02/12/2025
We are committed to tackling this issue and ensuring that our communities are both safe and feel safe. However, we recognise that this is a complex societal problem that cannot be solved through enforcement alone. Many individuals within the street community are vulnerable adults, often facing addiction issues and personal traumas that have contributed to their current circumstances.
For this reason, a multi-agency approach is essential. Over the coming months, the local Neighbourhood Policing Team will be organising sporadic, multi-agency engagement events. During these operations, we will actively engage with members of the street community, ensuring they are aware of local charities offering support and signposting them to the local council’s homelessness prevention team to help them access accommodation.
At the same time, we will continue to enforce the law and take action to prevent anti-social behaviour. This will be a combined effort between the police, the local council’s homeless prevention team, and charities such as Somewhere to Go. Together, we aim to balance enforcement with support, addressing the root causes of vulnerability while maintaining public safety and community confidence.
16/12/2025
Winter of Action Intensifies in Weston-super-Mare Town Centre
The Winter of Action initiative has been stepped up in Weston-super-Mare Town Centre in recent weeks, with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team strengthened by additional resources from Avon and Somerset Police and multi-agency partners.
This collaborative approach is tackling issues linked to the street drinking community through a balance of engagement, signposting to support services, and enforcement where necessary. Community Response Officers, Street Wardens, and Police Community Support Officers have been working closely with vulnerable individuals to understand their needs and connect them with appropriate support. They also play a vital role in educating the public about the powers available to Police and the Council to address persistent anti-social behaviour.
Today’s activity (16/12/2025) highlights the impact of this partnership approach:
- A vulnerable woman at risk of criminal exploitation has been safeguarded by local officers.
- Four stop searches resulted in the seizure of Class B drugs and stolen alcohol.
- Four individuals were dispersed from a designated area following anti-social behaviour.
- Two men are currently in custody—one arrested for shoplifting and racially aggravated offences, and another for persistently breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order.
The message is clear: those who show no respect for the community, engage in anti-social behaviour, or ignore court-imposed conditions will be identified, arrested, and brought to justice.
While some may dismiss these offences as minor, their persistent nature has a serious impact on the quality of life for others. Weston-super-Mare Town Centre is a safe space for everyone to enjoy, and we are committed to keeping it that way.
13/01/2026
The Winter of Action campaign continues to gain momentum in Weston-super-Mare Town Centre, with Avon and Somerset Police reinforcing the local Neighbourhood Policing Team through extra officers and support from multi-agency partners.
Some of our activities since last update:
- A 16-year-old male was observed acting suspiciously. Following a foot chase, he was stopped and found in possession of suspected Class A drugs and a quantity of cash.
The individual was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and three counts of assaulting emergency workers. He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
- A man of no fixed address arrested and charged with shop theft
- A man from Haywood Village arrested for a public order offence after being abusive to mounted officers and PCSO's; issued a 48-hour dispersal notice. The man was with his partner and young child and was causing harassment, alarm and distress to the wider community.
- A man from the Town Centre arrested on suspicion of domestic violence-related offences
- Several individuals stopped and searched
- One vulnerable female safeguarded and offered support
- Vital information and intelligence reports regarding criminal activity obtained from members of the public
ur message is clear: Weston Town Centre is for everyone to enjoy safely. Anti-social behaviour and crime will not be tolerated. Expect enforcement if you refuse to engage with support services.
With excellent CCTV coverage and proactive policing, persistent offenders will be targeted.
Winter of Action activities in numbers since last update:
- Number of arrests - 8
- Report for summons - 2
- Section 35 dispersals - 3
- Intelligence reports - 16
- Stop searches - 7
- Seizures (drugs and alcohol) - 4
- Crimes reported - 1
27/01/2026
On 06/01/2026 the Winter of Action activity has continued with a focus on Weston Super Mare Town Centre. Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers have been joined by North Somerset Council CCTV Operators, Community Response Officers and Street Wardens as well as Outreach Support from Somewhere to Go.
The aims of the Winter of Action are to reduce Anti-Social Behaviour, Business Crime and Violence against Women and Girls. We will offer support and signpost vulnerable individuals, but where people are turning down the support, not engaging and actively committing crime, to ensure that there is a meaningful consequence to their behaviour. This will sometimes be via a Court Outcome, but the local Neighbourhood Teams are now commonly utilising Anti-Social Behaviour tools and powers such as Community Protection Notices and Criminal Behaviour Orders as a means of placing restrictions on problematic individuals.
Two arrests were made in relation to a Breach of a Court Order and Breach of Community Protection notice. Four people were detained for the purpose of a search with suspected cannabis and ketamine being seized as well as stolen property. Two people were dispersed from a mapped area due to engaging in persistent Anti-Social Behaviour and vital intelligence was provided from members of the public.
Work is ongoing outside of these days of action with the local Neighbourhood Team regularly linking in with Outreach Charities, Educational Establishments, Local Businesses and places of worship to ensure that information is being shared and the Police are proactively managing emerging threats and risks.
As always, we are committed to making Weston Super Mare safer for all to enjoy. We would like to thank our partners and the public for your support and dedication in making the Winter of Action intensification successful.
24 February 2026 update
On 20 February 2026, the Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team carried out another productive day of action to address anti‑social behaviour and criminality linked to street drinking. While the operation is primarily centred around safeguarding vulnerable individuals and directing them to the right partner agencies - whether for housing, addiction, or mental health support - we also take necessary enforcement action when criminal offences are identified.
During this single day of activity, officers achieved the following:
A prolific offender was arrested for breaching court bail and violating a Community Protection Notice.
One male was arrested for being drunk and disorderly, later de-arrested, and issued with a Section 35 dispersal notice.
Another male was arrested for being concerned in the supply of drugs and for obstructing a drugs search after attempting to flee from officers and swallowing suspected drugs.
A Sur-Ron–style electric bike was seized, and the rider was reported for having no licence and no insurance.
One male was dispersed from the designated exclusion area.
An outstanding offender was interviewed voluntarily.
Two males were detained for drugs searches.
A motorist was reported for ignoring a no entry sign.
We remain committed to working closely with our partner agencies to safeguard those who need support. At the same time, we want to send a clear message: anti-social behaviour and criminality associated with the street community will not be tolerated.
4 March 2026 update
On 03/02/2026, officers from the Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team were joined by North Somerset Council CCTV operators, Community Response Officers, Street Wardens, and outreach workers from Somewhere to Go for a high‑visibility operation in Weston Town Centre. The aim was to reduce anti‑social behaviour, business crime, and violence against women and girls.
The operation resulted in four arrests and three individuals being issued Section 35 dispersal notices. Our increased presence was both visible and effective. We want to reassure the public that we remain committed to addressing ASB and criminality in Weston Town Centre to ensure that local residents and visitors are safe and feel safe. If you see a larger number of uniformed officers in the area, please do not be alarmed — we are there to protect the community, tackle crime, and provide reassurance.
Work continues outside of these dedicated days of action, with the Neighbourhood Team regularly engaging with outreach charities, schools and colleges, local businesses, and places of worship. This ongoing partnership approach ensures effective information‑sharing and enables the police to proactively identify and manage emerging risks and threats.
Issued 07 June 2026
Action taken:
On 28 May 2026, a multi-agency Day of Action took place in Weston-super-Mare town centre. This joint effort involved the Local Neighbourhood Policing Team, with support from the Neighbourhood Tasking Team, North Somerset Council’s Community Response officers, CCTV operators, and Business Improvement District Street Wardens.
Together, partners carried out high-visibility patrols across the town centre, focusing on issues linked to the street community, anti-social behaviour (ASB), and associated criminal activity. During the operation, officers:
Arrested one male for breaching his court bail Issued five Section 35 dispersal notices Seized two e-scooters Conducted four stop and searches
In addition, the team delivered over six hours of high-visibility patrols, acting as a strong deterrent to crime and disorder. This presence not only helped prevent offending but also provided reassurance to local residents, businesses, and visitors – highlighting a clear, united approach to keeping the town centre safe and welcoming for everyone.
These action days will continue throughout the summer, despite this being a particularly high‑demand period for policing. We are dedicated to maintaining safe streets and ensuring that people not only are safe but also feel safe.
