EXTRA police officers will soon be out and about in Redditch with the launch of a new town centre team.
The town, along with other areas including Evesham and Worcester, has been chosen, based on analysed data.
The selected towns and cities have been shown to have the highest policing demand, biggest populations and/or footfall, and would benefit from an extra presence to help prevent further crime and reassurance.
The move comes as part of Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion’s Safer West Mercia Plan and the dedicated teams are part of a joint commitment to ensure officers are visible, accessible, and focused on tackling the priorities which matter most to communities.
Temporary Chief Constable Alex Murray said: “The town centre teams will bolster local policing in our communities, making sure we have officers in the places we know you want to see them and tackling the issues that really matter to you.
“These extra officers will work alongside response teams to make sure we are where you need us – be it in the towns and cities or the more rural areas of the three counties we serve.
“Over the last year crime has reduced and more crimes have been detected and the new teams will help us in our persistent and proactive approach to fighting crime.
“They will be highly visible, working to cut crime, reduce anti-social behaviour, actively target repeat offences and working to reduce retail and business crime, including shoplifting.”
The teams are being funded through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s 2024/25 budget.
Mr Campion said: “I hear regularly from communities calling for police officers to be evermore visible and accessible in the heart of communities.
“I have listened to those concerns and have ensured West Mercia Police has the resources it needs to introduce first-of-a-kind town centre policing teams across West Mercia.
“I know these teams will help drive down crime and build strong relationships with the public and businesses they proudly serve.”
Redditch MP Rachel Maclean, who has welcomed the increased police presence, had carried out an extensive crime survey in response to residents fears at the increase of anti-social behaviour.
And Mrs Maclean said she had been actively campaigning to secure an increased police presence in the town and has made tackling crime one of her key pledges.
“I am committed to ensuring the safety and security of Redditch residents.
“The enhanced police numbers will enable us to better protect our community and address the challenges posed by criminal activities.
“This is a significant step forward in my ongoing efforts to ensure Redditch is a safe place for everyone.”
Earlier this year, Mrs Maclean met with Insp Rich Field to discuss the feedback from the crime survey.
Mrs Maclean added: “The additional police numbers will strengthen law enforcement in the town, deter criminal behaviour and will provide reassurance to residents and businesses, creating a safer environment for all.’’
