New figures show crime has fallen in Shropshire
Crime in Shropshire is continuing to fall while police are solving an increasing number of offences, latest figures have revealed.
The news comes just over a week before a new Police and Crime Commissioner is elected to oversee policing in West Mercia, which includes Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.
Total crime in Shropshire, from April 1 up to the current date, has fallen by more than 10 per cent with 861 fewer crimes reported compared with the same period last year.
Teh latest figures show there have been 7,515 crimes since April compared with 8,376 in 2011. The number of crimes solved has seen a 6.4 per cent increase.
In September, West Mercia Police launched Citadel, a force-wide initiative aimed at reducing burglaries and detecting offenders. It involved a range of focussed operational tactics, a crime prevention advice campaign, and an appeal for public support to pass on information about criminal or suspicious activity.
Before the launch of Citadel, Shropshire was hit by a four-month surge in household burglaries, beginning in March when there were 53 reported burglaries, compared with 48 in March 2010. The next three months saw the trend continue - April 52 (43), May 68 (38) and June 67 (45).
West Mercia POlice says since then, the figures have levelled out again and the targeting of burglars and criminals involved in associated crimes, has seen a 100 per cent increase in the number of offenders charged. A total of 72 burglars have been charged since April this year compared with 36 last year.
Shropshire's police commander, Superintendent James Tozer, said: "The latest figures are encouraging, both for us and the public.
"But I stress there is no room for complacency. If we are to maintain these trends to bring about further improvements, a sustained effort is needed from police officers and staff, our partners and the public working together across all Shropshire communities.
"Local people who care about their neighbourhoods can play a big part in reducing crime by contacting the police. Tell us when you see something suspicious - just call 101 to get through to our control rooms. Alternatively, call the anonymous Crimestoppers charity in confidence on 0800 555 111."
He said: "Our officers have been working tirelessly targeting known offenders to make sure they are brought to justice for the crimes they commit. Their hard work as part of Citadel is reflected in the fact that they have doubled the number of offenders charged over the past seven months.
"However, the hard work continues because we are now in one of the busiest periods of the year for burglary. Traditionally, across the country, there is a rise in the number of homes broken into after the clocks go back and evenings draw in.
"We need the public to help our campaign and there are some simple steps they can take to make their homes more secure. Most burglaries are carried out by opportunistic thieves, so taking some basic measures will deter many."
