PCC invests in specialist 4x4s focused on rural communities
Specialist 4×4 vehicles designed to improve police capability in rural areas are now serving West Mercia’s communities. One‑third of West Mercia’s population lives in a rural area, and the force covers 8,451 farms – more than double the second‑highest total in Lincolnshire. The two new 4x4s, which have been funded by PCC John Campion, will […]
PCC focuses on role of technology with police Chief
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in policing, and this was the focus of the latest meeting between Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion and West Mercia Police’s Chief Constable, Richard Cooper. The Assurance & Accountability meeting on Tuesday 21 April explored how the force is using technology now and, in the future, to […]
Latest ONS figures show rise in violence against women and girls
As shoplifting continues to fall, crimes that disproportionately affect women and girls are on the rise in West Mercia. According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, reports of stalking and harassment increased by 13%, while rape and sexual offences rose by 8% over the 12-month period up to December 2025. With […]
West Mercia Police LED replacement programme generating cost savings and carbon reductions
Upgrades to lighting across the West Mercia Police estate are generating electricity savings of around £75k a year, as well as lowering the force’s carbon emissions by 80 tonnes annually. Launched in 2023, PCC John Campion’s Estates team began its invest‑to‑save programme with the first LED lighting replacement project at Kidderminster Police Station. The strong financial and environmental returns quickly demonstrated the value of this […]
West Mercia’s support for families recognised in national report on online child abuse
A new national inspection has highlighted the growing and evolving threat of online child sexual abuse, and the increasing pressure this places on police forces across England and Wales. The latest report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) sets out how demand continues to rise faster than the resources […]
Police visibility on the up but confidence in receiving a good service down
Police visibility has improved according to the results of the PCC’s latest perception survey, but confidence in receiving a good service from West Mercia Police is at its lowest. The results for the period covering October to December 2025 found 21% of those surveyed said they saw a PCSO or officer at least once a week, a 5% rise when compared to the same quarter in 2024; with 58% saying […]
Police base used to support life-saving work of Blood Bike charity
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion is supporting the work of Blood Bikes volunteers by enabling Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire Blood Bikes (SSCBB) to store and access motorcycles at Oswestry Police Station. A new agreement gives the charity a secure base within the police garage, helping volunteers respond more quickly across a wide geographical […]
PCC welcomes launch of National Knife Crime Centre
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has welcomed the Home Office’s announcement of a new National Knife Crime Centre, designed to strengthen the national response to knife crime. The centre will bring together policing, government, industry and tech partners to coordinate enforcement, tackle online knife sales, share intelligence and support future legislative change. […]
Opportunity for motorcyclists to gear up their skills in Redditch
Focused on supporting motorcyclists on the road to becoming better riders, the Redditch Advanced Motorcyclist Group is running its latest taster day at Redditch police and fire station on Sunday 26 April from 10am to 4pm. Following its success in 2025, the event organised in partnership with Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, West Mercia […]
PCC welcomes investment to tackle rural crime
With one third of West Mercia’s communities living in rural areas, Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has welcomed additional investment into the National Wildlife Crime Unit and the National Rural Crime Unit. The £800,000 funding boost was announced by Policing Minister Sarah Jones at the National Rural Crime Network conference, attended by Deputy PCC Marc Bayliss, who sits on the network’s national project delivery group for serious […]
