Following a marked increase in shoplifting during the summer months, retailers in Wells have taken matters into their own hands.

A newly created WhatsApp group now serves as a hub for more than 170 local businesses, including supermarkets, high street shops, pubs, hotels, independent retailers, and market traders, all aimed at combating theft.

This proactive move has caught not only the attention of the Wells Chamber of Commerce, who have sponsored warning stickers for shop windows, but also the Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset. She recently joined a police patrol on Wells High Street, aiming to reassure businesses that the police are taking the situation seriously.

A spokesperson from the Avon and Somerset police said: "We fully support this community-led initiative and are working closely with local businesses to ensure their concerns are addressed. The presence of our Chief Constable on patrol underlines our commitment to dealing with the issue."

The Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team had previously been called to action in August in response to reports of "increased tension amongst businesses" due to the rise in thefts. The WhatsApp group now enables businesses to share real-time information with each other and with the police, streamlining efforts to keep the area safe and secure.

Business owners are praising the collaboration. "The input from the group is fantastic," one retailer said, adding that they "have a good working relationship with our local police."

To further deter potential thieves, the Wells Chamber of Commerce has sponsored stickers to place in shop windows. These stickers serve as a warning, notifying customers that they are under surveillance and that footage will be shared among the city's businesses.