West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner – Hello, Merry Christmas and welcome to my final newsletter of 2020…

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This edition includes: a chance to have YOUR say on my budget; some Christmas generosity in the community, a county lines drug dealer arrest; a plea to help further prevent crime and a special message to all those living in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire.

Due to the new COVID-19 government guidelines, my office is mainly working from home and, whilst we are able to take phone calls to our usual OPCC number, I would encourage you to contact us by emailing opcc@westmercia.pnn.police.uk or by using our social pages ‘westmerciapcc’ on Facebook and twitter. Any members of the public needing to call the office can do so between 09:00 and 17:00, Monday – Friday. Please stay safe and look out for each other.
I am now consulting on my 2021/22 budget – so make sure you have your say!

I am strengthening my commitment to the communities of West Mercia through my 2021 budget proposals with increased visibility and accessibility, as police officer numbers are set to increase further.

For more information, and to take part in the consultation, visit my website: www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk

You have until Wednesday 20th January 2021!
‘Tis a season of goodwill…
Myself and my team have given a little this Christmas

We were able to give presents to women spending Christmas in a refuge this year. We hope these gifts will bring some joy to their day, despite the challenges they are facing.

We also had a donation from Sainsbury’s in Blackpole and a very kind member of the public.

Full story »
I always welcome some Christmas, community spirit!

I was pleased to support a Bromsgrove based project at Blackwell Adventure, which is providing meals to vulnerable families over the Christmas period.

My North Worcestershire Ambassador, Margaret Sherrey, was on hand to help and looks a natural!

See more »
On your bike!

I have made an extra £25k available for new bikes to increase pedal power for Safer Neighbourhood Teams in West Mercia.

The additional funds available to local policing teams will help to enhance officer visibility – by bike!

Read the full story »
Residents had their say with me directly…
Residents had their say in my online engagements…

With COVID-19 continuing to impact how I engage with communities, I hosted a series of online events for the public to have their say with me directly via Zoom.

Anti-social behaviour, officer visibility and speeding were among the issues raised by residents of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire.

I am continuing to work on addressing the concerns raised, and several attendees have already been provided with useful information. This includes grant applications for Speed Indicator Devices to help tackle speeding and how to sign up to the ‘We Don’t Buy Crime’ scheme, therefore Smartwater protecting valuables from being stolen.

Further information here »
Latest news…
I welcomed a funding announcement from the Home Secretary

It’s a good deal for policing, with an increased Government grant and flexibility around council tax allowing officer numbers to continue growing.

Read my statement & the full announcement »
I continue to make West Mercia Police more representative of the community it serves

Whilst there is more to do, I am pleased to see the number of new female student officers this year exceed the national target.

Head to my Facebook page for more »
Op Protect: I continue to work with the force and help tackle county lines drug offending

Another county lines drug dealer has been jailed:

Gavin Oliver, 37, from Wolverhampton, was sentenced to four years 6 months after he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply. Read the full story here »

Read my commitment to tackling serious and organised crime »
I was delighted to catch up with student officers from West Mercia Police

The officers have shown tremendous dedication to get to where they are today, and are vital in protecting our communities across West Mercia.

Thank you, and keep up the good work!

See more on my Facebook page »
I join the force and urge people to help prevent crime…
We’ve seen an increase in shed and garage break-ins in Worcestershire recently

You can help ensure your outbuilding and its contents are as secure as possible.

Keep your shed/garage in a good condition, use high quality locks, visibly mark your property and record serial numbers and invest in security lighting.

If you’ve been broken into, report it online »
Catalytic converter thefts have increased recently, particularly in South Worcestershire

Free forensic property marking kits are available, but there are other ways to protect your vehicle.

Keeping your vehicle in a locked garage, installing motion-activated lighting/CCTV and parking in a well-lit, populated area close to your property all help.

For further prevention advice, click here »
Looking out for our victims is a key commitment of mine…
I proudly work with partners and commission The Children’s Society Climb programme

The programme helps prevent 10-17 year olds from entering the Criminal Justice System, and it is great to see it recognised in the House of Commons!

See the full video from the chamber here »
I remain committed to protecting victims across West Mercia

I sat down to discuss the Drive programme, which works with perpetrators of domestic abuse and seeks to change their behaviour, therefore tackling the causes of the issue.

More here »
Now That’s What I Call a Safer West Mercia…
Now That’s What I Call A Safer West Mercia, my official Christmas crime prevention playlist,  continues with tracks 3 and 4 and concludes with a seasonal message from me – Joy to the World!

TRACK 3: Many people will face Christmas alone this year, so please do all you can to make sure it isn’t silent & lonely for those where you live  – Listen here »

TRACK 4: Christmas might look a little different for many of this year but, by following the rules, the sooner we all will be together – Listen here »

TRACK 5: A special message to all those who live in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire. From all of my office, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – Watch and listen here »
Finally, as my ‘Safer West Mercia’ podcast reaches 1000 downloads, something to listen to…
Making our streets safer

I talked to Inspector Sean Brennan about how Telford communities will benefit from an extra £550k to make their streets safer.

Listen on Spotify, TuneIn, Apple Podcasts and Buzzsprout, or choose your favourite episode on my website: www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk