Bridgwater's Battle: Somerset Town Grapples with Rising Crime and Anti-Social Behavior

Bridgwater, a historic market town in Somerset with a population of approximately 41,000, is currently grappling with a surge in petty crime and anti-social behavior. This situation is causing significant distress to local businesses and residents, despite the town's rich history and potential for growth.

The town, known for its annual Guy Fawkes Carnival and maritime heritage, has seen a marked increase in shoplifting and youth-related disturbances. Local shopkeepers report frequent thefts, with some resorting to closing their doors when they see potential troublemakers approaching. The problem has escalated to the point where some businesses have boarded up their windows due to repeated vandalism.

Ashley Fox, the Conservative MP for Bridgwater, acknowledges the issue: "Bridgwater is a great place to live, and the people are brilliant. But as in so many other areas, anti-social behavior is a big issue." He emphasizes the need for concrete actions rather than mere "soundbites in a speech."

The Labour Party, led by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, has proposed a crackdown on these "silent crimes." Their plan includes investing in 13,000 new police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), implementing guaranteed local patrols, and introducing 'respect orders' to ban persistent offenders from city centers.

However, local residents and business owners remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures. Deacon Greenwood, assistant manager at Coffee#1, expresses concern about the ongoing issues: "Crime is out of control and has been for a long time. The homeless men are a big problem. We used to let them use our toilets but then we found needles in there so stopped."

The town's struggles reflect a broader national trend. According to the Office for National Statistics, 2023 was the worst year on record for shoplifting in the UK, with over 430,000 cases reported. The British Retail Consortium noted a 50% increase in violence and abuse against shopworkers in the year leading up to September 2023.

Bridgwater's local council has taken steps to address these issues. In February 2024, they increased the council tax precept to boost police funding, following a consultation that showed strong public support for the measure. Additionally, the council runs a youth group at Coffee#1 every Friday afternoon, aiming to tackle anti-social behavior.

Despite these efforts, some residents remain unconvinced. One local in his early thirties shared, "I tell my partner not to come into town, and definitely not to bring our two-year-old with her if she does. She came in once and just got sworn at so it's not worth it."

As Bridgwater continues to face these challenges, the town's rich history and potential for growth stand in stark contrast to its current struggles. With its maritime past, industrial heritage, and cultural significance - including being the first town in Britain to petition for the abolition of slavery in 1785 - Bridgwater has the foundation for a vibrant community. The question remains whether the proposed measures and local initiatives will be enough to turn the tide and restore the town's sense of safety and prosperity.

"Kids come in and just run out with hats and gloves, or they bring a bunch of items to the counter, get out their card to pretend to pay and then run. The homeless also come to steal North Face jackets and sell them for a pittance to get their fix. I used to ring the police but now don't bother except for the worst cases, and even then they don't come."

As Bridgwater strives to overcome these challenges, the town's resilience and community spirit, evident throughout its long history, may prove crucial in finding effective solutions and restoring its reputation as a thriving market town.