West Mercia Police on shoplifting, vehicle theft and more

Police and crime commissioner, John Campion, and temporary chief constable, Alex Murray, discussed matters on December 11. The meeting focused on West Mercia Police's improvement plan, with the commissioner seeking reassurance that supervisors are overseeing cases effectively. The meeting was particularly concerned with matters raised by HMICFRS during 2022.

Mr Campion was reassured by Mr Murray that action is being taken, with a review scheduled for December 2024. The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss a range of key performance indicators concerning the unit's endeavour to combat shoplifting, vehicle theft, and improve service to victims. There has been a nationwide increase in shoplifting crimes, including in West Mercia.

However, the force has boosted efforts to arrest offenders, leading to a significant rise in detection rates. Meanwhile, vehicle theft in West Mercia rose by 3 per cent from April to September 2022, but the same period in 2023 saw a 3 per cent drop. Mr Murray attributed this to targeted operations in known trouble areas.

John Campion said: "I am committed to ensuring the public's policing priorities are addressed. "I welcome the proactive work that West Mercia Police is doing to drive down shoplifting, vehicle theft and improve victim satisfaction."

Although the commissioner was pleased with these gains, he urged long-term preventative strategies to sustain the promising trends. The temporary chief constable pointed out that there are efforts to educate residents about theft risks and the best practices for deterrent. Another priority discussed in the meeting was the improvement of victim satisfaction rates for survivors of domestic abuse.

An important move towards delivering the service stipulated in the commissioner's 'Safer West Mercia Plan'.

To improve satisfaction across all types of crime, the commissioner advocated direct contact with dissatisfied victims as a means to learn and improve service, and amplify their voices for lasting change.

The commissioner commended the progress but was clear there is more to be done and pledged continuing dedication to resource provision that would instigate lasting transformation and safety in West Mercia.