Policing perceptions split across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

The latest quarterly survey from West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, has revealed a shifting landscape of public confidence, with Shropshire residents increasingly satisfied even as concerns regarding anti-social behaviour (ASB) mount in neighbouring Telford and Wrekin.

Central to Mr Campion’s "Policing with the Community" commitment, the results highlight that Shropshire residents are now the most likely across the three counties to feel the force understands their local issues, with 72% of respondents expressing satisfaction. In contrast, those living in Telford and Wrekin were the least likely to agree, with the figure trailing at 68%.

The drive for increased visibility appears to be yielding results on the ground. Both regions reported seeing officers or Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) more frequently than they did during the same period last year. In Shropshire, 18% of people now see an officer at least once a week, representing a 3% rise. Telford and Wrekin saw an even more significant jump, with weekly sightings rising by 5% to reach a total of 25%.

However, increased visibility has not yet translated into a uniform sense of security. The data shows a growing divide in how crime is perceived across the two areas. While 78% of Shropshire residents believe that crime and ASB are not significant problems in their neighbourhoods, that sentiment is shared by only 69% of those in Telford & Wrekin - a 4% decrease in confidence compared to the previous year. This dip in public perception aligns with recent crime statistics, which show a 12% surge in ASB incidents in Telford and Wrekin in the twelve months leading to February 2026.

Overall confidence in West Mercia Police also tells a tale of two regions. In Shropshire, confidence has climbed by 4% to reach 81%. Conversely, Telford and Wrekin saw a 3% decline, with confidence currently sitting at 79%. Similarly, 60% of Shropshire residents believe the force is doing a "good job," compared to 56% of their neighbours in Telford.

Communication also remains a mixed bag for the force. While 57% of Telford and Wrekin residents feel well-informed about police activities—outperforming Shropshire's 50%—this figure has actually dropped by 4% over the last year.

Responding to the findings, PCC John Campion noted that while the Shropshire results were encouraging, the disparity in Telford and Wrekin could not be ignored. He stated that over the coming months, he intends to engage more deeply with local communities to ensure their voices remain at the heart of policing. He further pledged to work alongside the Chief Constable to refine how the force listens to the public and keeps both residents and businesses updated on local priorities.

Members of the public wishing to examine the data in detail can access the full quarterly report via the Consultations and Surveys section of the PCC’s official website.