The three beautiful counties that make up the West Mercia force area have some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK; that countryside is home to many communities, businesses and visitors. I am committed to ensuring that all parts of West Mercia are safe and feel safe. Over the last five years I have developed a Rural Crime Strategy, funded more police officers posted to rural outstations, funded dedicated rural crime prevention officers, funded mobile police stations whilst ensuring West Mercia Police are focused on tackling crime in our rural communities.
Ahead of the Police and Crime Commissioner elections on Thursday 6th May, I have set out a series of pledges to tackle rural crime in West Mercia:
• Expand the number of dedicated rural crime prevention officers
• Roll out of “We Don’t Buy Crime Farm Packs” to more rural businesses across West Mercia to reduce thefts from farms and rural businesses
• Expand network of dedicated wildlife crime officers to tackle issues such as hare coursing
• Hold West Mercia Police to account for delivering the Local Policing Community Charter to ensure the police are visible and accessible in our rural communities
• Work more effectively with local councils and communities to tackle illegal Flytipping
Too many of our rural communities do not feel the benefit of the low crime area we live in, too many still tell me they don’t feel they see enough of the benefit of the uplift in police officer numbers. I remain determined that all communities will continue to hold West Mercia Police to account to ensure they serve all communities in West Mercia.
I will build on the progress I have made in rural crime prevention to ensure rural businesses across the three counties can be supported to thrive. I will ensure that our rural communities are safe, that they feel safe and have confidence in West Mercia Police.
