The Glastonbury Neighbourhood Policing Team has been recognised at the highest level, with Sarah Dyke MP applauding their efforts in Parliament after they received the prestigious Angela Yeoman Award at the Force Awards in October.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton submitted an Early Day Motion congratulating the Neighbourhood Policing Team, Licensing Team, and Anti-Social Behaviour Team on their success. The award, presented on 23 October, honours outstanding initiative and dedication to enhancing community safety.

Led by Sergeant Simon Lancey and PCSO Supervisor Bea Gane, the Glastonbury policing team was commended for their targeted efforts, which resulted in a 26% reduction in reported crime and a 17% decrease in anti-social behaviour between September 2022 and September 2023.

Speaking about the team's success, Sarah Dyke said, "This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovative strategies employed by the Glastonbury policing team. Their efforts to tackle crime through intervention, safeguarding, and community engagement have made a tangible difference. Their success is proof that when proper resources and planning are provided, real progress can be made."

The team's collaborative, community-focused approach has delivered significant results in addressing crime and anti-social behaviour in Glastonbury. However, Ms Dyke acknowledged that challenges remain and called for continued investment in policing initiatives.

In her statement, Ms Dyke also turned attention to the rising issue of rural crime across Somerset. The National Farmers' Union reports that rural crime in the county increased by 67.6% in 2023, costing an estimated £1.3 million.

Despite the scale of the issue, rural crime teams are under-resourced. Only 0.1% of the UK police workforce is dedicated to tackling rural crime, and Avon and Somerset Police has just four officers covering a vast five-county area.

Ms Dyke's Early Day Motion calls on the Government to address these shortcomings by implementing the National Rural Crime Network's recommendation for a specialist rural crime coordinator within Avon and Somerset Police.

"While we celebrate the achievements of the Glastonbury policing team, it's crucial to recognise the ongoing challenges faced by rural communities," she said. "Tackling rural crime requires targeted resources and expertise. The government must act to ensure that rural areas like ours receive the support they desperately need to combat this rising issue."

The Angela Yeoman Award highlights the significant impact of proactive policing in Glastonbury, and the success of the local team has been widely praised. Residents and businesses have already felt the benefits of a safer community, with crime and anti-social behaviour rates significantly improving thanks to the team's efforts.