A national strategy to protect our communities by leaving no safe space for serious and organised criminals to operate within the UK and overseas, online and offline is welcomed by the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner.
Reports today show a £37 billion social and economic impact, of a range of offences including child sexual exploitation, drugs offences, modern slavery and fraud. The Serious and Organised Crime Strategy aims to keep at pace with criminals, reform current methods and provide new capabilities to pursue, prepare, protect and prevent.
At a local level, the Commissioner has invested analysis and review work to build up a picture and take action around local issues as well as multi-agency training, focusing on county lines and vulnerability. He has commissioned a number of preventative and diversionary projects with over 2000 young people supported, is developing a strategy to tackle drugs misuse and associated criminality and has applied for early intervention funding to tackle serious and organised crime from a regional perspective.
Commissioner John Campion said “It’s important not to underestimate the impact that serious organised crime can have on communities, which is why it is a priority for myself, the force and a number of partner agencies. I welcome the work to tackle this at a local and national level. From the investments I have made, and with support from the Home Office we can look to address issues at the root, and gain a better understanding to tackle emerging crime types together. “
For more information on the national strategy click here.
Issued: Thursday 1st November 2018
