Violent crime continues to fall in Shropshire

The half-yearly figures from April to September shows 543 incidents in the Shropshire area compared to 772 last year. In Telford & Wrekin the figure remained the same at 540.

The force area as a whole has seen a 13.9 per cent drop in incidents, from 3,469 from April-September last year to 2,986 this year. And the number of violent crimes resulting in injury being solved in West Mercia is also up by more than nine per cent.

Detective Chief Inspector Jason Wells, the officer co-ordinating measures to tackle violent crime across the area, said the latest figures were encouraging but still too high.

“Reducing violent incidents, especially those causing injury, will continue to be a priority for the police and our partners. These crimes cause immeasurable distress to victims and impact heavily on the well-being of our local communities.”

He said a number of new initiatives had recently been introduced to counter violent crime in city and town centres, including focussing on alcohol-related incidents.

“Nearly 50 per cent of violent incidents are alcohol-related and officers across our two forces have been working hard to reduce offences which impact on the night-time economy and on people wishing to enjoy a night out.

“Thousands of beer mats, posters and flyers have been distributed during recent weeks under the theme of ‘Call Time on Violent Crime’ urging people to drink sensibly, to stay safe and to keep out of trouble.

“We have also taken part in a national Alcohol Harm week of action, which included working with students starting or returning to college and university.”

DCI Wells warned that the police would continue its proactive approach to tackle all form of violence.