Spotlight on West Mercia Police’s performance
The performance of West Mercia Police was scrutinised by Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, as recent data shows a slight rise in overall crime across the area.
Mr Campion held his latest Assurance and Accountability meeting with the Chief Constable to monitor the force’s work tackling crime and bringing offenders to justice. This scrutiny comes as the latest statistics reveal an overall increase of 2% across all crime types.
While there was a decrease in some specific offences—including a 26% drop in business and community burglary, 12% reduction in vehicle offences and an 8% reduction in shoplifting—the overall rise is noted in the data.
Tackling crime and supporting victims is a core priority for the PCC. The figures show victim satisfaction rates remain largely positive, indicating progress in support services.
The police response times were also discussed. Emergency calls (Grade 1) are attended on average in just under 13 minutes. However, the force is currently meeting the 20-minute attendance target in only 74% of these emergency incidents, suggesting a need for further improvements.
The median attendance time for priority calls (Grade 2) was 39 minutes, which is within the two-hour target. Furthermore, call-answering times for both 999 and 101 are improving.
West Mercia Police has introduced a ‘road map’ of improvements designed to enhance the service the public receives, particularly when contacting 999 or 101.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “While progress is being made, it’s important communities across West Mercia feel the benefits of record police officer numbers and changes to working practices in order to drive improvements. I will continue to work with and challenge the Chief Constable to ensure communities not only feel safe but are safe too.”
