Safer Shopping

Making sure that Taunton is a safe place to shop and visit is a priority that local businesses, Taunton Deane Borough Council, Somerset & Avon Constabulary and Taunton Town Centre Company take very seriously.  Working together  we have achieved a town centre shopping and visitor experience that is safe for everyone to enjoy.

The town and car parks are well served by CCTV and through the town's Business Improvement District project, businesses have ensured a high visibility policing presence to provide public reasurance.   

The town's businesses have formed an award winning business crime reduction partnership, SWBAC, with a direct radio link with the town centre police and CCTV.  This has helped increase the detection of retail crime and other offences.

Taunton remains one of the safest towns in which to shop, work, live and visit. 

Somerset West Business Against Crime Partnership (SWBAC)

The 'SWBAC' 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 60 radios forming a communication chain throughout the town.

As well as local businesses using the SWBAC 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 greatly, resulting in a safer and higher quality environment for residents, shoppers and visitors to the town.

Through the success of SWBAC, Taunton has become a more inviting place to visit and shop in. As a result of coordinated action through this effective business crime reduction partnership instances of crime and disorder are dealt with quickly and effectively.