New figures show that over a quarter of crimes reported in Glastonbury over the past year have not resulted in prosecution.

Data from Avon and Somerset Police reveals that 27.3% of crimes reported in the town in the last 12 months ended without prosecution, with cases often falling through due to insufficient evidence or other factors.

Of the reported crimes, 333 cases could not proceed, making this the most common outcome in the area. Another 23.8% of cases (290 incidents) are listed as "status update unavailable," meaning no further information is currently available on those investigations.

A further 17.2% of cases (210 incidents) remain under investigation, indicating that local officers still work through a significant backlog of cases. Only 2.5% (30 cases) have made it to court and are awaiting outcomes.

In some instances, police deemed it not in the public interest to take further action. This included 0.6% of cases (7 incidents) where no action was taken, and another 2.5% of cases (31 incidents) where further investigation was not pursued. Additionally, 1.8% of cases (22 incidents) were closed without formal action.

Local resolutions, where minor incidents are dealt with informally, made up just 0.9% of outcomes (11 cases). Matters were passed to other organisations for follow-up in some cases, accounting for 1.9% of outcomes (23 incidents). Just 0.6% of offenders (7 cases) were cautioned.

Speaking about the challenges of securing prosecutions, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: "While we strive to deliver justice in every case, there are instances where we cannot proceed due to insufficient evidence or other external factors. We continue to work hard on unresolved cases, and we encourage anyone with additional information to come forward as this could be crucial in helping secure successful prosecutions."

Breakdown of crime outcomes in Glastonbury:

• Unable to prosecute suspect: 333 cases (27.3%)
• Status update unavailable: 290 cases (23.8%)
• Under investigation: 210 cases (17.2%)
• Awaiting court outcome: 30 cases (2.5%)
• Further investigation/action not in the public interest: 60 cases (4.9%)
• Local resolution: 11 cases (0.9%)
• Offender given caution: 7 cases (0.6%)
• Action to be taken by another organisation: 23 cases (1.9%)

The figures reveal that violence and sexual offences make up the most significant proportion of incidents reported to the police over the last 12 months. According to the data, these offences accounted for 39.2% of all crimes in the area, with 478 incidents recorded in Glastonbury.

Anti-social behaviour was the second most frequent crime, making up 17.3% of reports, with 211 incidents in the past year. Shoplifting came in third, with 137 reported cases, contributing to 11.2% of the total crime. Public order offences, including disorderly behaviour, were also significant, making up 10.1% with 123 reports.

Other notable crime categories included criminal damage and arson, with 79 incidents (6.5%), and theft, which had 84 reports (6.9%). Burglaries were less frequent but still concerning, with 21 cases reported, while vehicle crime accounted for 35 incidents (2.9%).

In terms of more specific or less frequent crimes, the town saw nine robberies (0.7%) and five incidents of bicycle theft (0.4%). Drug-related crimes stood at 15 incidents (1.2%), while possession of weapons was reported in four cases (0.3%).