Archive for category: News

Two people have been amongst the first to be arrested under new zombie knife legislation, after a warrant was carried out in Warndon, Worcester on Thursday 3 October.

A 26 year-old-man and a 17-year-old-boy were both arrested at an address on Ennerdale Close on suspicion of possession of controlled Class A drugs with intent to supply and possessing or distributing prohibited weapons or ammunition.

Two teenagers from Stourport have been charged with multiple offences in relation to the sale of knives and weapons on social media following two warrants on Thursday 3 October.

The 16-year-old males, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were arrested at two separate addresses in the town by West Mercia and Merseyside Police officers following an investigation in Merseyside.

They were later charged with the following offences – including what are believed to be the first charges in the country for the offence of selling weapons online.

Early intervention and prevention are key in tackling knife-related crime. That’s why I proudly fund The Children’s Society’s CLIMB and Steer Clear projects.

They are making a real difference to the lives of young people across the three counties, helping the next generation navigate the challenges they face through their adolescence and choose a path free of crime.

You can now make a self-referral for young people aged between 10-17 to CLIMB, if you are concerned they are at risk of criminal exploitation.

Steer Clear is a knife crime prevention project, working with young people who have been at risk or are involved in knife crime.

The results from my latest perceptions survey are in, with confidence in West Mercia Police remaining high but there’s still more to do.

79% of respondents have confidence in the police, falling short of the force’s 88% aspirational target.

More than three-quarters of residents (76%) do not think crime and ASB are problems in their area.

A majority of respondents are satisfied with the levels of policing in their local area but it’s important that there is a greater focus on improving visibility and accessibility.

I want to see West Mercia Police doing more to inform residents about the work it is doing with 46% of residents feeling they aren’t being updated about local news.

Through platforms like Neighbourhood Matters and social media, there are more ways than ever to communicate directly with you.

Anti-spiking week operation

Spiking causes devastating harm in our communities, and I continue to ensure West Mercia Police has the resources it needs to go after those who choose to exploit people enjoying a night out.

Over the recent national week of action, West Mercia Police has shone a spotlight on the year-round activity it does through covert operations to identify predatory behaviour and bring offenders to justice.

It has also been an opportunity to engage with the public about the signs they can look out for to keep themselves and their friends safe, as well as share information on a new online reporting service.

At the core of my work is a focus on ensuring local communities are safe and feel safe, so I will continue to back efforts to strengthen partnerships with pubs and clubs to put an end to drink spiking.

Backing the police to tackle crime in our towns

I have listened to, acted on and now delivered on calls from the public to ensure our town centres have dedicated policing teams.

Local shops and businesses form the lifeblood of our communities, and through my investment, these ten teams will be visible and accessible whilst driving down crime and working closely with retailers to tackle their concerns.

I have been out with the teams in Evesham, Shrewsbury and Leominster and have seen for myself the positive impact they are already having and will continue to have as they grow ever stronger relationships with businesses and the public.

In my latest meeting with the Chief Constable, I focused on a number of your key priorities including 999 performance and crime volumes.

Ensuring emergency 999 calls are answered quickly and properly, the Chief reassured me about work taking place to increase the number of call handlers, following my investment, and strengthen technical stability.

There has been a statistically significant reduction in the number of recorded domestic abuse offences in West Mercia. This fall will be analysed to greater understand the decrease and what is driving it.

There has been a sustained reduction in homicide with low levels continuing over April to June. Serious violence is also on the decrease following the implementation of hotspot policing.

To disrupt the drugs trade, a new recording system is now in place to accurately track the work of the Serious Organised Crime team across West Mercia, alongside licensed partners.

Whilst it’s clear there is more that can and will be done, I will continue to support West Mercia Police with the necessary resources and tools it needs to deliver on your priorities.

Over the past two years communities across West Mercia have come together to cover their Unknown Tommy in hundreds of handmade poppies.

In the lead up to Remembrance Day, I am calling on you to play your part again by creating a poppy and pinning it your local Tommy.

There are five statues standing proudly outside police stations at Malinsgate, Malvern, Monkmoor, Hereford and Kidderminster so please do get involved before Monday 4 November.

At the heart of my police and crime plan is a focus on reducing the excessive harm too often caused on our roads.

As part of this mission, I backed community-based initiatives across West Mercia to the tune of £280,000 in March.

One of those projects funded through fund is currently taking place in Telford.

My Deputy, Marc Bayliss, went along to see a virtual reality awareness in session, delivered by Telford & Wrekin Council alongside West Mercia Police and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, which helps mature drivers to stay safe and keep their skills sharp.

A key part of the justice system, my Independent Custody Visiting scheme is made up of brilliant volunteers who make sure the rights of those in police custody are being maintained.

Only last year, the scheme received national recognition when it achieved silver-level accreditation.

On the journey to reaching gold, I am looking to recruit more volunteers and you can play your part!