West Mercia’s PCC Newsletter

This month’s edition includes the latest data from the Office for National Statistics, efforts to bring criminals to justice, and work to make our roads safer.

Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion

At the heart of my police and crime plan is a focus on ‘Cutting crime’ – and we continue to deliver on that priority.

Continuing the long-term downward trend, the latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows overall recorded crime has fallen by 4%. This follows a 6% drop recorded earlier in the year.

Some of the biggest decreases include burglary at 19%, incidents of serious violence at 9%, overall theft at 8%, and shoplifting at 5%.

In my role, I regularly engage with the public to understand their lived experiences as it cannot only be about the data, but also how safe you feel.

Those conversations make it clear that there’s still more to do to ensure they feel the benefits of less crime, and at the same time, ensuring the resources are available to address some concerning upward trends.

That’s why I will continue to use my voice to support and challenge the Chief Constable to ensure crime rates are not just statistics, but a reflection of safer, more confident communities.

Six people have been sentenced for their role in supplying illegal anabolic steroids across the UK and abroad.

The organised criminal group were sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Monday (13 October) seven years after they were found to be running a business selling illegal steroids.

Officers became aware of the business back in 2018 executing a warrant at a unit on Stafford Park in Telford, where they discovered a laboratory for making class C drugs.

The products were marketed to have the correct doses and appear to be made in laboratory conditions, which was not the case.

Evidence uncovered in this investigation saw that the raw ingredients were left out in the open air in an untidy and unsanitary conditions, including vials being sold that were contaminated with human hairs.

Ride Along with your local policing team!

In my role I regularly have the opportunity to see the work of West Mercia Police officers which showcases their hard work and determination to keep communities safe, whilst dealing with the everyday challenges policing throws their way.

To give you a similar insight into that work, the Ride Along scheme is re-launching in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire and offers you an insight into front-line policing.

Successful applicants will accompany an officer from their local Safer Neighbourhood Team for their shift and experience what a day on duty might look like.

A year-round focus on delivering safer roads…

I am committed to reducing the harm caused on our roads and we continue to make forward steps on that journey. Some highlights over October include…

Op Spotlight

APCC Steve Mackay joined West Mercia Police for Op Spotlight where they conducted more than 200 engagements, 66 breath tests, 54 roadside drugs tests, 78 notices and 31 arrests.

Two operations also took place on the M5 where they stopped 66 vehicles and found motorists driving with no insurance, over the legal weight limit, on their mobile phone, and other offences.

Plans to introduce an average speed camera scheme on the A49 have been given the green light.

My latest investment is part of a range of measures to reduce harm on West Mercia’s roads, with the cameras being placed on the 50mph section of the A-road from Leominster to Hereford (Dinmore).

The scheme which brings together West Mercia Police, Herefordshire Council, and National Highways is set to go live on March 2026.

Tinted windows are not only dangerous for motorists, especially with the earlier dark nights, but also for the public and the police as they are unable to see the driver.

That’s why I funded another tint device, this time in Wellington, Telford for local officers to conduct checks on vehicles to ensure they are complying with the law. APCC Tracey Onslow went out with the policing team to see it in action!

A campaign which brings communities together, whilst paying tribute to the brave servicemen and women who have, and continue to serve in our Armed Forces continues to go from strength-to-strength.

Since I launched Pin Your Poppy in 2022, I am always amazed and grateful to the hundreds of people who take part by making their own unique poppy, and pinning it to their local Unknown Tommy statue – with this year being no exception.

As Commissioner, the catalyst to launching the project was to celebrate the special connection between our military and West Mercia Police. The force has many former Armed Forces personnel in its ranks, and it’s a tradition I am really proud to recognise.

I also fund the Remember Veterans service which works with veterans to ensure they are given the support they need to steer clear of the criminal justice system after returning to civilian life.

With the campaign coming to a close, I will be hosting a ceremony alongside dignitaries at Malvern Police Station on Remembrance Day which will see all six Unknown Tommies come together, from across West Mercia, covered head to toe in poppies. I will report back on the event in my next newsletter!

Living in a society where everyone’s individuality is respected

Earlier this month, it was Hate Crime Awareness Week. The week also coincided with the Office for National Statistics publishing the latest hate crime figures for West Mercia.

This showed hate crime has risen by 10% (Mar 2024–Mar 2025) with race remaining the most common motivation (72%) and offences listing religion as a factor have increased by 25%.

As part of my work to address crimes that impact our communities, I proudly fund Victim Support’s “I am ME!” project which brings to the fore the key message of respecting each other’s differences.

The project works across West Mercia to raise awareness of hate crime, support victims and train West Mercia Police officers.

I would encourage anyone who experiences hate crime to report it to the police so action can be taken to bring perpetrators to justice.

A service you can call on when you need it

I recently visited West Mercia Police’s Operational Control Centre to check in with the team and see how my investment is helping to drive improvements to the public.

I always leave inspired and grateful to the extraordinary men and women within the control room who perform a vital role as the front door, for many, into policing.

In my role, I am committed to working with the Chief Constable to ensure those efforts are supported to ensure you receive the service you expect when you contact West Mercia Police.

The ways you can contact…

Phone        

999 – emergency

101 – non-emergency

Online 

Contact us | West Mercia Police

Neighbourhood Matters

Face-to-face

Organise a meeting with your local police officer – find out their name, number and email address on Neighbourhood Matters.

Find your nearest police station or contact point.

Anonymously via CrimeStoppers

Online

Phone – 0800 555 111

Supercharging efforts to cut fleet costs and carbon emissions

With the financial pressures facing West Mercia Police, it’s important we are doing all we can to drive greater value for money.

That’s why I have funded 35 electric vehicles, taking the total number to 55 in the force’s fleet. 

Replacing costly diesel models, the EVs deliver £30,000 in annual savings, improved reliability, and significantly reduce emissions by 80 tonnes of CO₂ annually or the equivalent of over 360,000 miles of driving.

They will be used by policing teams, who support the efforts of frontline police officers, to effectively serve local communities in a cost effective and environmentally friendly way.

Could you be an ICV?

Giving you a unique insight into the criminal justice system by making sure the rights of those in police custody are being maintained, I run an Independent Custody Visitor scheme.

With flexible hours that work around you, these amazing volunteers visit their local custody suite in locations across West Mercia.

After the scheme achieved Silver accreditation, you can play your part in helping us reach Gold all whist learning new skills, making lifelong friendships and giving back to your community!

Here I heard from residents about the need for activities, particularly, for young people and women and girls.

By working with partners, I am funding ‘Rock Up & Rugby’ sessions from Monday 10 November and self-defence classes from Wednesday 19 November.

Feedback from discussions will be used to drive change, alongside West Mercia Police, with a meeting planned again for six months’ time.

Whilst there she was able to hear more about the impact of the Town Centre Team, I funded more than 12 months ago.

Gathering views in this way is important as they will be shared with West Mercia Police to help direct resources to where the community needs them.

As part of my focus on reducing the harm too often caused on our roads, the APCC is working with the parish council to address those concerns.

Find out some of the work West Mercia Police is doing by clicking your local policing area.