LATEST figures released by Avon and Somerset Police reveal that reported crime incidents in Bridgwater Town Centre increased by nearly 30% in the year to September 2024. 

Quarterly data reveals that 2,706 crime incidents recorded between October 2023 to September 2024, compared with 2,086 incidents between the same months in 2022 to 2023 – an increase of 29.7%.

Of the crimes reported between October 2023 to September 2024, more than one quarter resulted in no prosecution of a suspect, with 4% of crimes awaiting a court outcome. 20% of crimes were recorded as being under investigation.

Most of the crimes recorded in the same period were violence and sexual offences, at 37%, followed by anti-social behaviour incidents, at 17%, while shoplifting accounted for 12% of crimes reported.

In response to the findings, a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Bridgwater has expanded rapidly and, as areas become busier, we can see increases in crime, however the level of crime in Somerset remains lower than the force average.”

“Avon and Somerset Police have been working hard to make sure crimes and incidents are recorded accurately, and to encourage people to report incidents which we know can be under-reported.”

They continued: “For example, the neighbourhood policing team is having a drive to tackle business crime, working with partners to ensure issues are reported, supporting retailers with crime reduction advice and targeting prolific offenders.”

“We're also targeting anti-social behaviour issues in a similar way, ensuring incidents are reported and recorded so that we have the evidence to apply to the courts for robust conditions.”

It comes as the Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police recently confirmed that the force has received additional funding for tackling anti-social behaviour.

The spokesperson added: “Nationally, there have been increases in the violence and sexual harm category and this is no different locally. Again, we know that some of these offences have been under-reported in the past and we welcome people having confidence to report them.”

“This category includes a broad range of offences with the majority of those reported being offences such as malicious communications and verbal harassment, rather than serious violence or sexual assault.”

They ended: “We’re committed to ensuring that Bridgwater remains a safe place to live and work.”