The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Clare Moody has unveiled an ambitious new initiative aimed at strengthening neighbourhood policing and tackling anti-social behaviour across the region. The programme, aptly named “Your Streets, My Priority,” is designed to make town centres and high streets safer, more welcoming places through coordinated, multi-agency action.
“You’ve told me you want safer streets and more visible policing, and I am delivering,” said Clare Moody. “I’ve listened to your concerns about anti-social behaviour, retail crime, and local criminality. Working closely with the Chief Constable, we are deploying more officers to key areas where they can make the greatest difference because everyone deserves to feel safe in their own communities.”
Launching this week, the campaign marks a renewed commitment to combatting retail crime and anti-social behaviour through increased police presence and enhanced partnerships involving local councils, businesses, and community groups.
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The programme is backed by £5 million from the Home Office’s national Hotspot Fund alongside extra funding dedicated to neighbourhood policing, secured through the recent police funding settlement. This financial boost sustains the momentum to restore community-focused policing.
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson praised the initiative, stating, “The Safer Streets Summer Initiative is part of our Plan for Change, putting neighbourhood policing at the heart of communities. Avon and Somerset’s officers are now highly visible and accessible in town centres to tackle the issues residents care about. Beyond enforcement, this approach rebuilds trust between police and the public they serve.
“Our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee means everyone will have a named, contactable local officer committed to addressing issues like anti-social behaviour and making streets safer.”
Key components of “Your Streets, My Priority” include:
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Safer Summer Streets: Running through September 2025, this includes increased patrols, regular street surgeries, collaboration with businesses and residents to reduce shoplifting and ASB, and a series of pop-up multi-agency events offering crime prevention advice and engagement.
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Hotspot Action Fund: Delivering roughly 24,000 additional patrol hours annually in targeted and nearby areas, this fund allows for intensified focus on crime hotspots through dedicated police presence.
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Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee: Avon and Somerset Police have increased neighbourhood teams by 70 officers, PCSOs, and special constables to enhance local policing capacity, ensuring sustained attention where it is most needed.
Early results have been promising: PCSOs helped intercept stolen goods in Taunton; a man in South Gloucestershire was jailed for assaults and theft; extra patrols in Cheddar Gorge reduced noise and dangerous driving; a stolen moped was recovered in Withywood; and multiple arrests for shoplifting and drug supply have bolstered community safety.
Beyond enforcement, the campaign also promotes youth diversion initiatives run by local authorities and Violence Reduction Partnerships. These include sports programmes, youth clubs, community hubs, and outreach efforts focused on providing constructive activities and tackling root causes of anti-social behaviour.
With “Your Streets, My Priority,” the PCC is putting community safety at the forefront, fostering stronger neighbourhood policing to create safer, more vibrant spaces for all residents to enjoy.