RESIDENTS in a sleepy Somerset village are outraged by a recent spate of thefts and anti-social behaviour.

One resident, who did not give his name for fear of reprisals, said neighbours are now on edge following a break out of unpleasant incidents this month.

People in the village are putting up with anti-social behaviour and verbal abuse which the resident claims is down to a small number of people in the village.

A number of these incidents have been reported to police who say this is “unusual” for Cotford St Luke.

The resident said: “Everybody is devastated. This should not be happening in a small place like this, but it is getting worse.

“I believe some of this is drug-fuelled and they enjoy doing this type of thing. No houses have been broken into yet, but I think it is only a matter of time.”

Somerset County Gazette:

Residents in the village have also complained about a sudden increase in drugs paraphernalia being left scattered on pavements.

Police have confirmed overnight on Wednesday, November 8 there was a report of a theft from a vehicle in the village.

There were also two further reports of thefts from vehicles in the village overnight on Sunday, November 12.

The resident said: “The cars have been ransacked through the night – it was a drug-fuelled spree.

“But we feel the police are not doing very much about it.”

A number of residents have taken to social media to urge people in the area to be vigilant.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Overnight from November 8 into November 9 there was a report of theft from a motor vehicle and there were two further reports in the village overnight on November 12 – none of the vehicles had any damage or forced entry, so it is possible they may have been left insecure.

"A number of anti-social behaviour issues have been reported in the area of Manning Road in Cotford St Luke.

“Police are in regular contact with the residents there and are working jointly with the housing provider to address the complaints.

“This is unusual for Cotford St Luke which doesn’t normally suffer from this type of crime.”