Building safer, stronger communities: Visiting Taunton

Last Friday, I had the privilege of spending the day in Taunton, engaging with a wide range of community partners—from youth justice teams and refugee support services to local councillors and businesses. The visit was part of my ongoing commitment to understanding local policing priorities and ensuring our communities feel safe, supported, and heard.

The day began with a walkabout in the town centre alongside Gideon Amos MP for Taunton and Wellington, and the local neighbourhood policing team. We visited key areas including Castle Green, Belvedere Gardens, and the High Street, speaking with residents and business owners about their concerns – particularly around anti-social behaviour, street drinking, and shoplifting.

The neighbourhood team shared the proactive steps they’re taking, from early interventions like warning letters to more robust measures such as Community Protection Notices and Behavioural Orders. Their collaborative work with local authorities and charities is vital in addressing what’s often referred to as ‘low-level offending’ – which often can have a real impact on people’s daily lives.

Supporting young people and preventing crime

I also met with senior managers from Somerset Council’s Youth Justice Service. Their work with children aged 10 to 17 is crucial in preventing youth crime and reducing re-offending. The team’s holistic approach – engaging with police, schools, health services, and families – ensures that young people receive the support they need, whether through education, substance misuse services, or family interventions.

Understanding the differences between rural and urban youth justice services was particularly insightful, and it’s clear that tailored, community-based solutions are important.

Tackling exploitation with compassion and coordination

Another important visit was with representatives from St Giles Trust and Somerset Council’s Child Exploitation Services. Their integrated, multi-disciplinary team works across children’s and young adult services, ensuring that support doesn’t end when a young person turns 18.

St Giles Trust also delivers vital education sessions in schools and communities on issues like County Lines, gangs, and violence – empowering young people and their families with knowledge and resilience.

Road safety: A shared responsibility

Road safety was another key focus of the day. I joined Somerset councillors, police, and road safety teams to discuss how we can better coordinate efforts, improve communication, and learn from best practices across the country. Whether it’s managing road closures or raising public awareness, keeping our roads safe is a shared responsibility.

Welcoming refugees, strengthening communities

I ended the day with a visit to Christian Action for Refugees In Somerset (CHARIS), a charity at the heart of Taunton providing vital support to refugees and asylum seekers. From welcome hubs and English classes to employment training and wellbeing activities, CHARIS plays a  role in helping displaced people rebuild their lives and connect with their new communities.

Creating a welcoming and safe environment for everyone, including those fleeing conflict and hardship, is not just a moral imperative, but a benefit to society.

Looking ahead

This visit reaffirmed the importance of partnership, prevention, and community engagement in delivering the priorities of my Police and Crime Plan. I’m grateful to everyone who took the time to share their work, insights, and aspirations for a safer Somerset.