NEIGHBOURHOOD policing teams across the South West carried out a coordinated week of action to target community concerns including anti-social behaviour, illegal drug supply, and shoplifting.

Neighbourhood Inspector Joe Piscina said: “It was a busy week for our teams, but this is what we love about our jobs – working together, getting out in the community and focusing on solving the problems that people are telling us about.

“We will continue tackling these issues over the summer by working in partnership with local authorities to create safer streets for everyone.”

Last week, from Monday, July 7, two men were arrested in Taunton on suspicion of possession with intent to supply after 60 bags of suspected Class A drugs were found in their possession.

Two additional arrests were made in the Sedgemoor area for possession of illegal drugs with intent to supply.

Highly visible patrols took place throughout the week in areas where anti-social behaviour and shoplifting had been reported. Crime prevention and reporting advice was shared with shop owners and staff.

School visits also took place around the region, with engagement focused on safeguarding vulnerable children and raising awareness of anti-social behaviour and youth violence.

Officers carried out visits to high value jewellers and engaged with almost 1000 taxi and private hire drivers, raising awareness of the signs of courier fraud and how to report it, explaining how victims can be coerced into purchasing high-value jewellery, often being instructed to visit jewellers via a cab then handing the items over to criminal couriers.

Previous victims of rural crime were visited by the Neighbourhood Policing Team and specialist Rural Crime Team, with property marking provided, and the police hosted drop-in sessions on women’s safety in Wellington and Taunton.

Avon and Somerset Police are also working in partnership with the mayor of Taunton, councillors and street wardens to tackle anti-social behaviour.