Wells saw a significant increase in reported crime during August 2024, with 81 incidents recorded across the city, up from 61 in July.

The spike in crime was driven by a notable increase in anti-social behaviour, theft, and shoplifting, according to the latest data released by the police.

Anti-social behaviour saw the most dramatic rise, with 13 incidents recorded in August compared to just 5 in July. This category includes a range of offences, from disruptive behaviour to more serious disturbances that impact public order. Local authorities are likely to increase their focus on tackling this issue, as residents have raised concerns about its impact on community safety.

There was also an increase in shoplifting, which went up from 6 cases in July to 9 in August. The rise suggests that local businesses may be experiencing heightened issues with theft, putting additional pressure on shop owners and local police.

A spokesperson from Avon and Somerset Police said: "We encourage everyone to continue reporting any suspicious activity, as local intelligence is crucial in helping us target resources effectively."

Other thefts, which include offences such as stealing unattended property, also saw an increase, climbing from 7 reports in July to 11 in August. Public order offences, which involve incidents such as verbal threats and disturbances, rose from 6 to 11 incidents over the same period.

However, not all categories saw an increase. Violent crime—encompassing offences like assault and harassment—saw a slight decrease, falling from 25 reports in July to 24 in August. Vehicle crime, which includes both theft of and theft from vehicles, remained low, with only 2 incidents in August compared to 1 in July.

Burglary numbers also showed a minor rise, increasing from 4 in July to 5 in August. This category typically covers break-ins to homes and businesses, and police are urging residents to review their home security and report any unusual activity in residential areas.

The police spokesperson added, "We're committed to working with the community to address these issues and ensure Wells remains a safe place to live and work."

The next set of figures for September 2024 is expected to be published in early November.