Shop staff in Wells are being left to deal with shoplifters amid soaring theft figures, with new data showing an average of 810 shoplifting offences a day went unsolved last year.

Analysis by the Liberal Democrats using House of Commons Library figures shows 295,589 shoplifting offences in 2024–25 were closed without a suspect being identified — a 65% rise from five years earlier.

Tessa Munt, MP for Wells and Mendip Hills, said traders told her they "cannot rely on a Police response" and feel forced to confront offenders themselves. She backed making Wells' shopping streets a priority under the Avon and Somerset Neighbourhood Guarantee to try to cut crime and support high street businesses.

Neighbourhood Inspector Rachel Clark said: "We know how significant the impact of shoplifting can be on shops, particularly smaller, independent ones and that is also has a significant knock-on effect on the wider community, that's why it's one of our highest priorities. 

"However, it's not an issue that police can tackle alone. Many of the underlying causes are societal, including the increased cost of living and theft to facilitate addiction and so we're working closely with partner organisations to ensure we have an effective approach.

"I would urge businesses to keep reporting these incidents to us so that we can identify those responsible and ensure we're directing our resources in the most appropriate way."

Nationally, only around one in five shoplifting cases results in a suspect being charged or summoned, while more than half are closed without identifying anyone responsible, according to the analysis shared with MPs.

Ms Munt also warned that rural crime in the Mendips is rising, including hare coursing, livestock rustling and theft of farm equipment. She welcomed the recent addition of 70 officers and PCSOs to local neighbourhood teams but said more Police presence is needed both in town centres and rural areas.

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The Liberal Democrats are calling for a mass CCTV upgrade, offering small independent shops grants and loans of up to £6,500 to install modern systems to help deter crime and aid investigations.

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