New crime figures lay bare scale of disruption in Glastonbury
Fresh crime data has revealed the scale of disruption in Glastonbury town centre, and new figures show that incidents linked to violence, disorder and criminal damage made up nearly three-quarters of all crime in April – prompting a renewed police focus on visible patrols, enforcement powers and longer-term neighbourhood support.
Neighbourhood officers say they are using a range of enforcement powers – including Community Protection Warnings, Dispersal Notices and targeted arrests – to tackle ongoing disruption and reassure residents and businesses.
It comes as Glastonbury is officially named a crime hotspot by the Home Office.
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed the town will be one of five in Somerset to benefit from a major neighbourhood policing boost, with additional officers arriving on the ground from next month.
Most recent crime figures
In April 2025, 132 crimes were recorded in Glastonbury. Of those, 32 were incidents of antisocial behaviour (24.2%), while violence and sexual offences accounted for 44 reports (33.3%). There were also 17 public order offences (12.9%) and 2 cases of criminal damage and arson (1.5%).
Together, those four categories made up 71.9% of all crime recorded in Glastonbury in April – highlighting how visible and disruptive behaviour continues to dominate the local crime picture.
Though classified separately in police data, many of these offences are perceived by the public as part of a wider pattern of antisocial behaviour – from street drinking and shouting, to aggressive confrontations, vandalism and damage.
Other recorded offences that month included 20 cases of shoplifting (15.2%), 5 reports of other theft (3.8%), and 4 each of burglary and vehicle crime (3%). There were also 2 drug offences and 2 incidents recorded as 'other crime'.
Long term data
Looking at long-term trends, police data shows that over the past three years (totalling 3,495 recorded offences), the same four categories – violence and sexual offences, antisocial behaviour, public order, and criminal damage – made up 72.7% of all crime reported in the town. That includes:
- 1,260 cases of violence and sexual offences (36.1%)
- 631 incidents of antisocial behaviour (18.1%)
- 425 public order offences (12.2%)
- 221 reports of criminal damage and arson (6.3%)
While not all of these are legally classed as antisocial behaviour, police say the impact is often the same – creating a sense of unease and contributing to the perception that Glastonbury is unsafe.
How do Glastonbury's figures stack up nationally?
As of 2025, the crime rate in Glastonbury is 47% higher than the South West average and 11% higher than the England, Wales and Northern Ireland figure overall.
What do the police say?
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We recognise the impact that antisocial behaviour can have on a community. We've increased our presence in the town centre to provide reassurance and to deal robustly with those causing persistent issues.
"We're committed to working with local partners and residents to make Glastonbury a safe and welcoming place for everyone."
Police are encouraging residents to keep reporting any incidents – either online or by calling 101 – so that resources can be targeted where they're most needed.
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