Glastonbury traders report surge in shoplifting despite police efforts

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 16:39 · Archive

Shoplifting in Glastonbury has become a daily problem for traders, who say police often fail to investigate low-value thefts.

Shoplifting in Glastonbury has become a daily problem for local businesses. Casey Stoddart, owner of Burns the Bread bakery, said the thefts are a 'nightmare' and that people sometimes enter, make an order, then steal items 'just for the thrill'. He expressed frustration that despite being encouraged to report incidents, police often fail to investigate. According to government data, 21.3% of 127 reported crimes in Glastonbury in August 2026 were related to shoplifting.

Fiona Brogan, who runs the Wyrdraven shop, said she has installed cameras and caught people placing items in bags multiple times. Both traders say the rising frequency of thefts is the main concern, regardless of the value of items stolen.

Avon and Somerset Police said there is no minimum value threshold for investigating thefts, but prosecutions are often not in the public interest. The force said it is increasing patrols in the town. Police have arrested and charged a man in connection with multiple shop thefts and issued bail conditions banning him from certain premises. The force encouraged the public to continue reporting incidents to help identify repeat offenders.

How it is being reported

• Man charged over multiple shop thefts in Glastonbury and banned from premisesA man has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple shop thefts in Glastonbury.Somerset County Gazette · 21 Oct, 16:00
• 'Shoplifting is getting worse - but police won't help'Traders in Glastonbury say the daily thefts are affecting their staff and hitting profits.BBC Somerset · 21 Oct, 06:13

In this story: Casey Stoddart · Fiona Brogan · Burns the Bread · Wyrdraven · Glastonbury · Avon and Somerset Police · Somerset

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