Security for Shops in Bristol, Keynsham and Somerset: Are You Prepared for the Rise in High Street Crime?

As the Head of Operations at Avon Valley Security, I work closely with shop owners and local businesses across Bristol, Keynsham, Bath and Somerset, and lately, the message is loud and clear: shoplifting and retail crime are getting worse - and it’s putting real pressure on already hardworking teams.

I completely understand how exhausting it is when you’re dealing with theft, repeat offenders, and anti-social behaviour. It affects more than your stock. It shakes staff confidence and takes a toll on the whole vibe of your shop. So, I wanted to share a quick update on the current situation and how we’re here to help with trusted, local retail security services.

What’s Happening on Our High Streets

Shoplifting in our region is at its highest in five years. Figures recently obtained show that Avon and Somerset Police recorded over 15,000 shoplifting offences in the year to September - a 30% increase from the year before. That’s nearly two offences every hour!

Earlier this month (March 2025), Avon and Somerset Police put out a public statement highlighting a significant rise in shoplifting, and honestly, it’s something we’re hearing daily from business owners across Bristol, Bath and Somerset.

In Bristol, the overall crime rate remains one of the highest in the region at over 134 crimes per 1,000 residents. And while there are fewer detailed numbers for Keynsham, police data shows a general upward trend in crime - which matches what we’re seeing and hearing on the ground.

The reality is clear: more thefts, more brazen behaviour, and more pressure on already stretched teams.

Why Is This Happening?

From what we see on the ground, this rise in retail theft in Bristol and Keynsham is being driven by:

• Cost-of-living struggles – some thefts are driven by desperation.

• Organised shoplifting gangs – working in groups and targeting areas with limited security.

• A lack of visible deterrents – shops without a security presence are much more vulnerable. In fact, studies show that a uniformed security officer can reduce theft by up to 70%.

  
  

How Avon Valley Security Can Help

At Avon Valley Security, we specialise in retail and shop security in Bristol and Keynsham. We provide reliable, experienced support to reduce theft and make your staff feel safe.

Our guards are all SIA-licensed, trained in customer service, conflict resolution, and theft prevention. Most importantly, they know how to work with people - whether that’s supporting your team, welcoming your customers or dealing calmly with a situation.

We offer flexible, affordable security packages including:

• Regular in-store presence

• Mobile patrols

• Loss prevention advice

• Event or seasonal cover

  
  

Why Businesses Trust Us

Many of our security officers have decades of experience in the industry, and several come from backgrounds in the police and prison service. We don’t just meet the SIA industry standard - we go beyond it. Every team member goes through our own enhanced security checks, along with English language and competency testing, and comprahensive customer service training. It’s all designed to ensure that our clients receive support that’s professional, capable, and approachable.

We also understand what it means to run a small business - our team have been there themselves. That on the ground understanding shapes how we work. We’re not just a presence on the door; we’re part of your team, focused on helping your business feel safer, more confident, and better protected.