Crime falls by a quarter over six years in West Mercia area

West Mercia Police’s latest figures shows there were nearly 9,000 fewer crimes than the previous year, a fall of nearly 13 per cent.

Compared to six years ago, there were more than 20,000 fewer crimes reported, a fall of more than a quarter. This means there are on average 166 crimes a day, including only eight burglaries across three counties.

Data from the last financial year shows that all major crime types are down compared to 2011/12.

Overall incidents are down by 8,869 compared to 2011/12. This includes the following:
• 119 fewer burglaries in people’s homes (a reduction of 3.9%);
• 62 fewer robberies (- 13.2%);
• 697 fewer occasions where people suffered injuries due to violence (- 9.7%);
• 4,445 fewer incidents of anti-social behaviour (- 7.5%);

The three counties’ roads are also becoming safer: there were 52 fewer people killed or seriously injured in traffic collisions, a fall of 14.5%.

West Mercia Police’s Chief Constable David Shaw said: “Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire are as safe as they have been for some time: despite the misperceptions of some, local residents should be reassured that crime and anti-social behaviour continue to decrease and they live in one of the safest parts of the country.

“Crime levels are falling across the region and the country too, and the reasons why are complex; but I have no doubt the efforts and involvement of our partner agencies is contributing to the improving local picture. I would like to thank the district and county councils, the other blue light services and Crimestoppers for helping us to keep from harm an increasing number of people.

“In particular, I would like to highlight the efforts of the public, whether they give their time as volunteers such as Special Constables, street pastors or with Neighbourhood Watch, or simply do what they can to secure their homes and valuables and contact the police with any information they have about suspicious activity.

“I am particularly pleased with the reduction in burglaries; while the decrease over the year is not as large as in other areas, it was achieved after we experienced a spike last summer.

“Because of this, there was real focus on burglary across the force and we launched Citadel, a campaign to stem the increase. It saw a concerted and co-ordinated effort from officers and staff that saw us not only stop the increase but reverse it.

“We are now experiencing record low numbers of burglaries, with less than eight a day occurring on average across the whole of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire.”

On average one burglary a day occurs in Herefordshire, four in Worcestershire and less than two in each of Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.

Mr Shaw added: “This has been achieved against a backdrop of budget reductions and major internal changes within the force, so I would like to publicly express my thanks to the workforce for their continued commitment to the communities we serve.”

The Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, Bill Longmore, said: “I’d like to thank the staff for their continued commitment to keeping communities safe, despite the great financial challenges we face.

“We are being asked to do more, with less, and that won't be easy, but I am confident that we can and will use our expertise and professional skills to drive down crime over the coming years.”