Following a notable increase in shoplifting incidents in Wells, local police have ramped up their efforts to curb the criminal activity.

Special patrols were organised over the summer after concerns were raised by retailers, leading to the identification of multiple suspected culprits.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Simon Lancey stated, "Since the start of April, we've recorded about three incidents of shoplifting per week in Wells city centre. While the financial impact of each crime varies, we recognise the toll it can take on businesses and we're proactively addressing the problem."

The Wells City Neighbourhood Policing Team has identified several suspects in its targeted operations. One woman, captured on CCTV, was dealt with outside of court but now has a criminal record. In another instance, a male juvenile was identified, and after discussions with his parents and the victim, he has issued an apology and made reparations.

Additionally, officers are investigating a group of girls thought to be involved in a High Street theft.

Beyond the city centre, six offences were also recorded in the Wells Rural neighbourhood policing area over the same period.

Sergeant Simon Lancey said: "We have seen an increase in shoplifting in Wells city centre in recent months. Since the start of April, there have been on average approximately three such crimes recorded each week. The value of these crimes can vary but we recognise shoplifting can have a hugely damaging impact on businesses and we are taking proactive action to tackle the issue in the city centre.

"The Wells City Neighbourhood Policing Team has been carrying out targeted patrols and identified a number of suspected offenders over the summer months. This includes one woman being identified from CCTV footage, who was dealt with out of court but now has a criminal record.

"A male juvenile shoplifter involved in a separate incident in recent weeks was also identified and after conversations with both their parents and the victim, it was agreed he'd apologise and repayment has been made.

"We have also traced a number of girls believed to be involved in a theft in the High Street recently and officers are continuing to deal with that incident.

"During the same period, there have been six shoplifting offences in the Wells Rural neighbourhood policing area recorded.

"It is important to recognise these statistics illustrate those recorded crimes that have been reported to us and there may be other instances that have not been raised with us.

"Reporting such crimes is really important because we cannot investigate crimes we do not know have happened, and we would use that information to build up intelligence to both identify perpetrators and carry out proactive preventative work, such as high-visibility patrol plans.

"We're committed to working with local businesses to tackle shoplifting and would urge anyone who experiences such a crime to please report it to us by phone or online."