Shepton Mallet recorded a total of 105 crimes in September 2024, a notable increase from the 85 incidents reported in August.

The latest statistics reveal rises across key areas including shoplifting, violent crime, and vehicle crime.

In both August and September, anti-social behaviour accounted for 13 incidents. This category covers a range of disruptive public behaviours, including vandalism and nuisance actions that cause alarm or distress to residents.

Violent crime remained the most frequent offence, with 43 incidents recorded in September, a slight increase from 40 in August. Violent crime encompasses offences involving physical violence, assault, and harm, including domestic incidents.

Shoplifting saw a sharp rise, with 15 reported incidents in September compared to just two in August. This category relates to the theft of goods from retail stores, often involving organised groups or opportunistic theft.

Reports of vehicle crime more than doubled, with seven incidents in September up from three in August. This category includes theft of or from vehicles, vandalism, and tampering.

Theft in various forms also rose, with other theft incidents increasing from six in August to eight in September. This category covers thefts that don't fall under burglary or shoplifting, such as stealing unattended items in public spaces.

Reports of burglary slightly declined, with three incidents in September compared to four in August. Burglary generally involves unlawful entry into residential or commercial properties with intent to steal or commit other crimes.

Criminal damage and arson incidents fell slightly, from five in August to four in September. This category includes damage to property or vehicles and intentional fire-setting.

Public order offences, involving threats, harassment, or actions that could endanger public safety, dropped from eight in August to six in September.

A small rise was seen in drugs offences, with two cases recorded in September where there were none in August. These incidents involve possession, distribution, or trafficking of illegal substances.

Theft from the person, such as pickpocketing, saw one incident in September, with none reported in August.

Finally, other crime—a category covering miscellaneous offences not classified elsewhere—saw a slight decline, with three incidents in September compared to four in August.

A police spokesperson commented: "We are actively working to address these issues with increased patrols and community engagement. We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, as public awareness and reporting are essential to our efforts in reducing crime."