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Calls for more action on crime, despite crackdown

Kelly Withers
BBC News, Somerset
BBC The picture shows PCs Stacey Bennett and James Higgins standing by the Market Cross in Glastonbury. They are smiling at the camera. It's a sunny day and there is a market stall in the background.BBC
PCs Stacey Bennett and James Higgins help patrol the streets in Glastonbury

A community says more work needs to be done to crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour, despite efforts to tackle the problems.

Avon and Somerset Police say targeted work with other agencies alongside regular patrols of Glastonbury, Somerset, are having a positive impact.

However, business owners and residents say issues remain in and around the High Street and Market Cross.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said it recognised the concerns and is carrying out extra patrols to target the issues.

The picture shows Shannon Anderson standing outside a cafe in Glastonbury. She is wearing a hoodie and a hat.
Shannon Anderson says anti-social behaviour in Glastonbury can be 'chaotic'

Shannon Anderson, who works at My Fine Deli, said there is a group of people in "an anti-social club".

"They congregate in the middle of the High Street. There's alcohol constantly in use, dogs off leads, fights breaking out and it's just chaos," she added.

PC James Higgins says they are working hard with partner agencies to address the issues in Glastonbury and the team carries out regular patrols in the area.

He said: "We've set up a Crimestoppers zone in Glastonbury and we regularly meet with the outreach service to discuss homeless people and their needs."

The Glastonbury policing team recently received the Angela Yeoman Award for the work it does and was commended for its efforts.

Avon and Somerset Police figures suggest anti-social behaviour dropped in 2023 and remained low in 2024.

The picture shows Market Cross in Glastonbury. The picture shows stalls and people walking around. The Crown pub is in the background.
Crime figures suggest a rise in anti-social behaviour cases in Glastonbury in 2024

One shopper in Glastonbury says open drug dealing and fighting take place in the town, with problems along the High Street and Market Cross. They say the problem can be intimidating.

Ian Roberts runs the Baker in a Beanie stall at the town's market every Tuesday. He says he has not experienced any problems.

Mr Roberts said: "Different types of people live here and it just depends how you take them. If you're nice to people they're nice to you."

Ian Roberts is standing alongside his stall, Baker in a Beanie, in Market Cross. He is wearing a big coat, scarf, hat and apron with Baker in a Beanie written on it.
Ian Roberts says he has not experienced anti-social behaviour in Glastonbury

Sarah Dyke, MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, has praised the Glastonbury policing team for its work.

She said: "Their efforts to tackle crime through intervention, safeguarding and community engagement have made a tangible difference."

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