Police in Street are cracking down on shoplifters with extra patrols rolled out across Clarks Village and the High Street after a rise in retail crime.

Shoppers can expect to see more officers out and about after the Neighbourhood Policing Team confirmed they're stepping up efforts to catch offenders and reassure local businesses.

In a statement issued on 11 September, police admitted shoplifting is a growing problem both nationally and here in Somerset—but say they're not turning a blind eye.

"We're increasing patrols where we can and taking positive action against those we come across," a spokesperson said. "Anyone caught shoplifting will be put before the courts."

The message to businesses is clear: keep reporting every incident. Officers are urging retailers to call 101 or use the online reporting form to make sure cases are logged.

Clarks Village, which attracts thousands of visitors a week, has long been a hotspot for thefts, and police believe some crimes may be going unreported. The latest figures show four shoplifting offences were officially recorded in Street in both June and July—but the real number could be higher.

Retail theft is one of the most persistent problems in Somerset's towns, with many cases linked to repeat offenders and organised gangs.

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