WEST Mercia Police is failing to record thousands of crimes each year, inspectors have warned.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion admitted there is “room for improvement” after the latest Crime Data Integrity Report showed more than 8,900 reported crimes were not being taken down each year.

He said he would “continue to hold the chief constable to account to ensure all victims get the efficient and effective service they deserve”.

The report, compiled by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), said the force is specifically failing to report 12 per cent of violent crime, amounting to 4,200 cases.

It was told to immediately improve how it records the likes of harassment, stalking, coercive and controlling behaviour and domestic abuse as well as modern slavery.

But despite the failings, the report detailed how the force had improved on its last inspection in 2014, retaining its ‘good’ rating, with more than 90 per cent of crimes still being recorded accurately.

The HMICFRS was particularly impressed with West Mercia’s introduction of a centralised crime bureau to assess every incident and crime record.

The report outlined how the force is succeeding in recording crime against the most vulnerable, ensuring safeguarding and support for victims, such as through the PCC funded, Victim Advice Line.

Mr Campion said the findings are in all “great news for victims of crime”and a “testament to the officers and staff for their diligent work”.

“There is however room for improvement, particularly around the recording of particular crime types such as violent crime and the timeliness of crime recording- ensuring victims get the help and support to help cope and recover as quickly as possible,” he said.

Assistant Chief Constable Geoff Wessell added that the force would be “looking to implement the recommendations” in the report.

He said they would also ensure staff are “equipped with the right tools to protect the most vulnerable”.

The police watchdog reviewed three other forces, including Essex which was found to be failing to record around 6,700 crimes each year, with 2,500 reports of violence not being properly tracked.