'Shoplifting is getting worse - but police won't help'
BBCShoplifting in a market town has become a "nightmare", according to some of the businesses based there.
Casey Stoddart, owner of Burns the Bread bakery in Glastonbury, Somerset, said the problem is becoming a daily occurrence, leaving him concerned about the impact it is having on his staff.
He said businesses are encouraged to report the incidents, but added police often fail to investigate, due to the low value of the items stolen.
Avon and Somerset Police said while there is no "minimum value" for investigating thefts, prosecutions are often not in the public interest. The force also said it was increasing patrols in the town.
According to government data, 21.3% of 127 reported crimes in Glastonbury in August 2026 were related to shoplifting.
Stoddart said people will enter the bakery and often make an order, before they grab the item and leave "just for the thrill".
"The value isn't so important - it's the fact that it's happening," he said.
"It's been so infrequent in the past and it's becoming more frequent. We report it, we're told to report it, and nothing really happens - so we're at our wit's end."
Fiona Brogan, who runs the Viking-themed Wyrdraven shop, said she has covered the premises in cameras, and has on more than one occasion, caught people placing items in bags.
"We've been quite hot on catching them in the shop.
"I'll use social media, and if I can get their details to hand to a police officer rather than waiting for the police to respond, then I will."
Brogan added: "Everyone's just totally frustrated.
"We're always told to phone the police, but then when the police aren't showing up, you just wonder 'why bother?'.
"I understand the police are short-staffed, undermanned, underfunded... it's a very frustrating situation everyone's in."
Patrols being increased
Brogan added staff in shops nearby have started notifying each other when shoplifting happens or if there is suspicious behaviour, in an effort to stop it happening elsewhere.
Avon and Somerset Police said it is aware of "the impact of persistent shop theft on staff and businesses and work hard to bring offenders to court.
"We understand it may be disappointing for shops when no charges are brought, however it's important that incidents are still reported.
"These reports may help to build evidence enabling interventions using anti-social behaviour legislation."
The force said it was increasing uniformed patrols in the town centre.
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