OVERALL crime has continued to fall in West Mercia according to figures published by the Office of National Statistics.

The figures show an overall one per cent decline in overall reported crime, as well as decreases in areas such as violence with injury, sexual offences, theft, burglary, vehicle offences, bicycle theft, criminal damage, drug offences and public order.

Whilst there have been slight increases in areas such as violence against the person, robbery, possession of weapons and computer misuse, these increases are at a lower rate than the national level.

West Mercia has also seen an increase in knife offences; however, the volume of these offences continues to be low when compared to the rest of the country.

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “This is again positive and reassuring news for our communities who want to be safe and feel safe. I will continue to ensure West Mercia Police are well resourced to tackle emerging crime types.

“Whether it be through the funding of diversionary schemes to help young people defer from involvement in crime, or investment in Smartwater and Rural and Business Officers who can help to tackle issues around shoplifting and theft, I am committed to ensuring our communities can continue to live safely."

“Whilst we must not be complacent about the figures, I am pleased that they reflect that the overall approach is working.”

The Office of National Statistics compares total recorded crime for the year ending December 2018 to the previous year.

In West Mercia the following areas have seen decreases in recorded crime:

Violence with injury: Down 7 per cent

Sexual offences: Down 3 per cent

Burglary: Down 7 per cent

Vehicle Offences: Down 10 per cent

Bicycle theft: Down 7 per cent

Other theft: Down 2 per cent

Criminal damage: Down 6 per cent

Drug offences: Down 12 per cent

Public Order: Down 10 per cent

Miscellaneous crimes: Down 12 per cent

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