Both retailers and local law enforcement teams have ramped up their efforts to protect Wells' businesses from a continuing rise in shoplifting offences.

According to some reports sourced from neighbourhood police teams, at least 3 shoplifting incidents have been recorded per day since the start of April 2023, with some traders describing the situation as an epidemic.

In a statement provided to the Wells community, neighbourhood Sergeant Simon Lancey has said "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". This action has been realised in several significant ways over the last few weeks and months.

Primarily, the Wells City Neighbourhood Policing Team has been performing targeted patrols in hotspot locations around Wells city centre, with an aim to identify suspected offenders and deter criminality through a much more visible police presence. Though ramping up physical patrols represents only one aspect of a much wider operation designed to resolve this issue.

Video security

Law enforcement recently revealed that CCTV has been instrumental in both identifying and reprimanding offenders. In particular, police claim one woman was positively identified using CCTV footage, with this evidence helping teams to issue the offender with a criminal record.

From a retailer's perspective, operating well-maintained and reliably monitored commercial security cameras is an essential aspect of physical security policies and planning. Ensuring that criminal actions are not only easily prosecuted, but also helping to both deter and prevent criminality.

Research suggests that as many as 60% of potential offenders will purposely avoid targeting businesses with visible security cameras, offering desirable support to Wells retailers. This is backed by Wells Chamber of Commerce, who recently sponsored stickers to be handed out to traders to be affixed to shop windows, warning offenders that active CCTV is in operation.

Access control

It's also advisable that retailers in the Wells area consider reassessing their access control solutions. It's not uncommon for shoplifters to target alternative entryways and access points to avoid being reprimanded by vigilant employees, with stock rooms, staff rooms and cash counting locations representing particularly lucrative targets for the most brazen of offenders.

Installing well-managed access control systems that require personalised credentials before access is granted can help traders to significantly reduce the frequency of break-in attempts. Additionally, modern solutions using smart key cards or mobile credentials can be monitored by managers and security staff remotely, flagging suspicious activity for further investigation.

Combining access control devices, video security cameras and on-site alarm systems could help smaller Wells businesses better manage day-to-day security tasks. Each system can be integrated into the next, allowing business owners to program automatic incident responses. This practice can offer crucial support to businesses with limited physical security resources.

Community support

Finally, developing a strong community support system should help businesses to tackle the root causes of this recent spike in shoplifting. In recent weeks, great efforts have been made to unite Wells' business owners using private social media and communications platforms.

Over 170 local businesses, including supermarkets, pubs, market traders and independents, have joined a new community WhatsApp group used to warn business owners of suspicious behaviour and criminal activity in real-time. It's also understood that this group has a strong working relationship with local police, enabling teams to respond to incidents more efficiently.

Active community support initiatives like this can also help retailers to share information with one another regarding which security policies and systems have been most effective. These insights can aid business owners in upgrading and strengthening existing security systems in a cost-effective and realistic manner. Helping to keep Wells city centre safe and secure.

Final word

While a recent spike in shoplifting incidents targeting the Wells area has been damaging to local businesses, both business owners and local authorities are making concerted efforts to combat the issue. Alongside community-led incident reporting platforms and an increase in police presence, upgrades to physical security systems will help retailers to deter criminality.