Making sure that Taunton is a safe place to shop and visit is a priority that Taunton Deane Borough Council, Somerset & Avon Constabulary and the Taunton Town Centre Company Ltd take very seriously and through a continued corporation with all parties and retailers we have achieved a town centre and shopping experience that is safe for all the family to enjoy.

Throughout the town centre and in selected car parks CCTV is in operation but the beauty of Taunton is that the police station is practically in the town centre, ensuring immediate response, which in itself is a deterrent.

Retailers have a direct radio link with the police, which has helped the detection of retail crime offences to more than 70% and there is a combined group of retail security staff who are on call to tackle crime if it happens.

But even though Taunton remains one of the safest towns to shop in all, organizations involved with Taunton continue to maintain a quality level of resources and measurements to assure residents and visitors alike. There couldn't be a better place to shop.

Taunton Retailers Against Crime:

The 'TRAC' Radio Link was first started in Taunton during 1994 and consisted of two radio holders, Marks and Spencer and Boots the Chemists. The system has grown since then from strength to strength and currently has over 40 radios forming a communication chain throughout the town.  

In 1996 several stores had joined the link and required a base station as it was no longer adequate to work back to back. With donations from local stores £2,620 was raised to be able to purchase a Booster system giving TRAC over 3 mile coverage.  

As well as local businesses using the TRAC radio link, the Police, Traffic Wardens, Car Parks, Dog Wardens and the job centre also use the system. This network has resulted in problems such as shoplifting, drug dealing, alcohol abuse, beggars, dogs and verbal abuse in general have reduced drastically resulting in a safer and higher quality environment for residents and visitors to the town.  

Through the success of TRAC, Taunton has now become a more inviting place to visit and shop in. As a result of radio contact with the police, situations of crime and disorder are dealt with quickly and professionally.

The network is also used extensively if someone suddenly needs medical attention or if a child is lost. It is amazing what can be achieved when there are at least 40 pairs of eyes throughout the town aware that a child is lost and needs to be found.