The latest Government figures from the Office of National Statistics have highlighted overall crime has decreased by 9% in West Mercia in the year ending March 2024.
Welcoming this fall, 6% higher than the national average, Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion is committed to cutting crime further.
Across the board, most crime types saw a decline in the number of recorded incidents being reported to West Mercia Police.
With the Government report stating that robbery (-12%) and sexual offences (-13%) have decreased significantly over the 12-month period between March 2023 to March 2024. However, shoplifting offences saw an increase by 26% which matches the national spike.
Retail crime, including shoplifting, has been an area of focus for the PCC and the force, with ten new town centre policing teams launching in September.
PCC John Campion said: “A decrease in recorded crime is of course good news. However, data does not provide a perfect picture when it comes to the total amount of all crime as not every incident is reported.
“Whilst eight in ten of people in West Mercia have confidence in the police, it’s clear more needs to be done to ensure all communities feel they can report crime and action will be taken.
“As PCC, I will play my part whilst supporting West Mercia Police to ensure the voices of communities from all corners of the three counties are heard, listened to and acted on.”
