More than 1,000 crimes were reported in Shepton Mallet over the past year — but the majority of those ended with no prosecution or formal outcome, according to data released by Avon and Somerset Police.

Between March 2024 and February 2025, police recorded 1,014 crimes in the town. Of those, 345 cases (31.1%) were listed as status update unavailable, and 322 (29%) were closed as unable to prosecute suspect, often due to a lack of evidence, an unidentified offender, or the victim withdrawing support.

A further 159 cases (14.3%) remain under investigation, while 146 (13.2%) were grouped under other outcomes. Just 19 cases (1.7%) are currently awaiting a court outcome, 10 (0.9%) have a court result unavailable, and 5 offenders (0.5%) were given a police caution.

Additional outcomes included 24 cases (2.2%) where further investigation was not in the public interest, 23 (2.1%) with no suspect identified, 18 (1.6%) where formal action was not in the public interest, 11 (1%) passed to another organisation, and 7 (0.6%) listed as further action not in the public interest. 20 cases (1.8%) were resolved through local resolution, and one suspect was charged as part of another case.

Violence and sexual offences made up nearly half of all crimes

Across the full 12-month period, violence and sexual offences were the most commonly reported crimes in Shepton Mallet, accounting for 465 incidents (41.9%) — nearly half of all recorded crime in the town. This category includes a wide range of offences, from assault and harassment to serious sexual violence and domestic abuse.

Anti-social behaviour made up 146 reports (13.2%), covering public nuisance incidents such as vandalism, noise complaints and threatening behaviour. Other theft — which includes stolen items from vehicles, gardens or public places — was reported 111 times (10%).

There were also 87 incidents of shoplifting (7.8%), 79 public order offences (7.1%), and 61 reports of criminal damage or arson (5.5%). Police recorded 40 vehicle crimes (3.6%), 31 drug offences (2.8%), and 28 burglaries (2.5%).

Other categories included robbery (13 incidents, 1.2%), possession of weapons (11, 1%), theft from the person (8, 0.7%), other crime (27, 2.4%), and bicycle theft (3, 0.3%).

Police say complex cases and limited evidence affect outcomes

In response to the figures, a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: We are aware that many victims and communities are concerned by the number of crimes without clear outcomes.

"Some cases are extremely complex, and others face challenges such as limited evidence or lack of witness cooperation. Our officers continue to work hard to investigate reports and support victims. We are focused on improving our investigative outcomes and public confidence, and encourage the public to report any concerns."

The force said efforts are ongoing to improve how reports are handled and how outcomes are communicated, with a focus on supporting victims and ensuring transparency.