Chard community terrorised by rise in local drug crime

There has been a recent rise in crime in Chard, Somerset, especially relating to shoplifting, drug-related crimes, violent offences, disorderly and anti-social behaviour.

Crime Statistics

Data taken from Data.Police.UK revealed, in 2022 there were 1280 crimes committed, in 2023 there was an increase of 80 crimes with the total being 1360 and in 2024 there has already been 1255 crimes taking place from January to September.

From January to September in 2024 the monthly average of crimes has been 134.9 which is more than the monthly average across both 2022 (106.7) and 2023 (113.3).

The 2024 July-September quarter has had the highest number of crimes recorded in the last three years with 516 crimes in total (13.2 per cent) when compared to 362 crimes (9.3 per cent) recorded in 2023 and 306 crimes (7.9 per cent) in 2022 – showing a 5.3 per cent increase from 2022-2024 and a 3.9 per cent increase from 2023-2024.  

Communities most affected

In Silver Street late last week, a “drug building” was vandalised, with all the windows smashed, and over 60 used needles have been discovered across residential areas – some with heroin still inside.

Used needles found around Silver Street, Chard (Image: Anonymous) There are also reports of many drug-related crimes taking place around Bishop’s court in a spot, located on the border of Jocelyn Park, named by the locals “the drug stone”.

A community spokesperson said this is where dealers turn up during school time to “deal with students.” The residents from Bishop’s court have the full details which have been handed over to the police - action is still pending.

A recent burglary also took place in a victim's home in Chard last week and two people have been arrested today (November 11) who are currently being held in police custody.

The Chard Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) have reported that Drug use and shoplifting have been among the main crimes reported to the NPT.

Since May this year, five individuals have been arrested, charged and brought before the court before later being sentenced. Collectively, they all faced over 80 offences.

The NPT team have also secured injunctions on several properties commonly linked with drug use and continue to seek further closure orders and injunctions for other properties in Chard tied with drug crime.

“Two drug dealers went into my neighbour’s house and beat him up so much that he was completely covered in blood,” a Chard resident spokesperson said. “It has been hell for the past five months. We are trying our best to move.”

Some members of the community are even too scared to send their children to school, opting instead to homeschool them for their own protection.

Many residents have come forwards saying how they have “gone down every avenue” and feel authorities have done nothing.

“I understand they are stretched and spread thin on the ground, but we shouldn’t be living like this,” The resident spokesperson added. “We are living with a crowbar by the front door because we are frightened to death someone is going to break in, and we will need to defend ourselves.”

Chard residents have now said enough is enough and will consequently be releasing an official statement later this month as they feel so unsupported by the local authorities.

 “It’s disgusting that anyone can get away with anything around here; needles found where kids play, drug dealing on our doorsteps,” said another Chard resident spokesperson. “I hate feeling like I must hide in my own home where it’s supposed to be safe but it’s not. We have had to invest in cameras on both sides of the house just to feel remotely safe.”

“This issue has become increasingly dire, affecting the well-being and safety of our community. Residents are living in fear due to the visible and pervasive nature of drug-related activities,” said a Chard community spokesperson. “Despite numerous reports made to the police, many have gone unanswered, leaving community members feeling vulnerable and unheard. This lack of prompt action has undermined trust in the authorities and has exacerbated an already critical situation. Housing associations and councils also bear responsibility in addressing these concerns, yet there appears to be insufficient coordination and effective measures taken to ensure the safety and security of residents. The community is calling for a comprehensive, collaborative response involving all relevant bodies to restore peace and safety in Chard.”

They added: “The people of Chard deserve to live without fear, and it is imperative that their voices are acknowledged and met with decisive measures.”

Authorities respond

Regarding these issues, local MP Adam Dance has responded by saying he understands that any “perceived rise in crime” can be unsettling, and he takes these concerns “very seriously” and will contact Avon and Somerset Police to discuss the issues raised and to ensure their resources are being directed toward improving safety in Chard.

He said: “I want to reassure residents that I am committed to addressing their concerns and supporting any actions that can make our community feel safer. I encourage anyone affected or with additional concerns to get in touch with my office on adam.dance.mp@parliament.uk, so we can work together to make Chard a safer place for everyone."

Olubukola Adeleye customer experience director for Stone Water housing association has also commented, saying that they are aware of the issues reported by customers around the Silver Street area.

 “We will work closely with customers and our community partners to help tackle the problem, she said. “We urge anyone concerned about illegal activity to report it to the police as well as contacting Stonewater.”

The Chard Town Council offer their support to residents in response to the “massive” spike in crime. They have already taken proactive measures to remove hazardous sharp objects and remain committed to safeguarding public spaces and protecting the community, especially the youngest residents.

“The support and collaboration of local authorities and the police are vital in tackling the scale of this challenge, which I recognise requires collective effort for Bishop's Court, Silver Street, Jocelyn Park and throughout Chard,” Chard Cllr Andy Webb said. “I stand united with our residents in their concerns and am determined to work towards practical, long-term solutions to restore confidence and peace of mind. I hope that ongoing discussions and joint actions will result in enhanced safety measures and a strengthened community network.”

The Somerset and Avon Police have also responded to the rise in crime by saying their Chard Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) remains dedicated as ever to “cracking down” on crime in the town, to make it a safe place for people to live, work and visit.

“This year has seen an increase in the number of recorded crimes as we continue to improve our reporting categorisations. Now, instead of previously grouping incidents into the same crime, individual reports are now generated, resulting in a natural increase of reported crimes,” the Somerset and Avon Police team said. “If you have any information about drug use, shoplifting or other types of crime, you can call 101, report online, or speak with any officer in the Neighbourhood Policing Team for more information."