The number of recorded crimes in Wells fell in January, with 59 offences reported, compared to 70 in December, according to the latest police figures.

While the overall crime rate has decreased, shoplifting and violent crime continue to be major concerns.

Violent crime saw a drop from 27 incidents in December to 19 in January, but it remains the most common offence in the city. This category includes offences such as assault, grievous bodily harm, and domestic violence. Shoplifting, another ongoing issue, increased from 11 to 13 cases.

Public order offences, which involve crimes like threatening behaviour and violent disturbances, rose slightly from 7 to 8 cases. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour, which can include vandalism, nuisance behaviour, and public drinking, also increased from 4 to 5 cases.

Other types of crime saw a more significant decline. Robbery, defined as theft with the use or threat of force, dropped from 3 cases to 1. Reports of other theft, which covers crimes such as pickpocketing and stealing unattended belongings, fell from 6 to 3. Drug-related offences were also lower, with just 1 case recorded in January, down from 3 in December.

There was no change in burglary or criminal damage and arson, which remained at 1 and 5 cases respectively. Vehicle crime, which includes theft of and from vehicles, was also stable at 1 incident per month.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "While the drop in overall crime is positive, we remain focused on tackling shoplifting and violent offences, which continue to affect businesses and residents in Wells. We urge people to report crimes promptly so we can take appropriate action. Officers will continue working with the local community to address these concerns and ensure Wells remains a safe place to live and work."

Police have reassured residents that they are closely monitoring crime trends and are working on targeted initiatives to reduce repeat offences. Anyone with concerns about crime in Wells is encouraged to report incidents via 101 or the Avon and Somerset Police website. In emergencies, always dial 999.