Wells recorded 97 crimes in January 2026, according to the latest published police data. The figures show a slight fall compared with December, when 101 offences were recorded across the city.

Violent crime accounted for the largest share of January's offences, with 41 incidents recorded. Shoplifting was the second highest category with 14 reports, followed by public order offences at 10. Anti-social behaviour incidents stood at eight.

Elsewhere, there were five robberies and five incidents of criminal damage and arson. Police also recorded five other thefts and four drug offences during the month. One burglary, one bicycle theft and one vehicle crime were reported, along with two offences categorised as other crime.

The categories used in monthly police data are broad groupings. Violent crime can include offences ranging from assault and harassment to more serious incidents. Shoplifting refers to theft from retail premises, while robbery involves theft using force or the threat of force. Public order offences cover behaviour that causes alarm, harassment or distress.

Anti-social behaviour relates to incidents reported to police that affect quality of life in a neighbourhood. Criminal damage and arson includes deliberate damage to property or setting fires. Burglary involves unlawfully entering a building to steal or cause harm. Vehicle crime covers theft of or from vehicles, while bicycle theft is recorded separately. Drug offences relate to possession, supply or production of controlled substances. Other theft can include offences such as theft by finding or from the person. The "other crime" category covers offences that do not fall within the main groupings.

Wells' December 2025 total stood at 101 offences. That month saw 24 shoplifting reports, 11 incidents of anti-social behaviour and nine cases of criminal damage and arson, while violent crime was recorded at 36 incidents.

Avon and Somerset Police said it uses the statistics to identify trends and target patrols where they are most needed. Police have not released further breakdowns for individual incidents in Wells.

More local stories:

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

• Nurture vets launches cat-only clinics
• Mid-Somerset precepts set for 2026–27

Sign up to our free local newsletter – Our top stories in your inbox every Friday.