Understanding the policing and crime issues for Chard and Bridgwater residents 

Last Friday, I was in Chard meeting with Chard Town Council officials, community leaders, and police officers to discuss policing concerns in the area, including anti-social behaviour issues in the parks, and the support young people need. I took part in the ‘Youth Safety Day’ in Bridgwater, an event which brought together multi-agency teams to promote community safety in the town and provide support to residents.

I spoke to officers at Chard Police station. They shared the local crime issues and initiatives they are taking to address them and discussed welfare issues. 

Chard Town Council 

There was a lot to discuss at the town hall meeting, but the main issue was the increasing concern about anti-social behaviour (ASB) in central Chard and parks, by children under the age of thirteen. Examples of incidents include glasses being smashed on playing areas and cycle path. Police officers I invited to the meeting assured the meeting that they were going to work with the council, community, and other partners to address the problem. I also re-iterated the importance of reporting crime to the police; such information is vital to the police when determining where to allocate resources.  I also had the opportunity to hear about Chard’s active Community Plan – a plan promoting partnership working to address some of the Town’s policing concerns.  

Promoting community safety in Bridgwater 

I took part in a Youth Safety Day in Bridgwater, an event organised by lot of different agencies to promote community safety in the town and support residents. 

I was delighted to join and see professionals from the police, Somerset Council, health services and the voluntary sector out and about in Bridgwater o speaking with members of the public, listening to their concerns, and sharing information on crime prevention. 

This day was organised following increasing concern about anti-social behaviour and serious violence among young people, and the recent launch of a targeted police operation to tackle these issues, disrupt criminal activity and safeguard vulnerable children. The operation combines robust policing with early intervention strategies to address the root causes of these behaviours and prevent further escalation.  

The event highlighted the strength of working together.  Anti-social behaviour and youth violence can deny people their sense of safety. Combining a visible police presence with partnership efforts is a meaningful step to addressing these issues and protect our communities. 

The day was co-ordinated by Somerset County Council, Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership (part of Safer Somerset) and Avon and Somerset Police. While Somerset remains a safe and welcoming place to live, the impact and fear of knife crime, anti-social behaviour and other offending remains a significant concern both locally and nationally.