A NEW town centre policing team is being introduced in Redditch to focus on matters specific to the area.
The new team is one of ten being rolled out in towns across the West Mercia policing region to tackle localised problems such as anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, retail crime and disorder relating to the night-time economy.
According to the force, the introduction of the focused teams is part of its commitment to ensure officers are visible, accessible, and focused on tackling priorities of importance to local communities.
The new town centre teams were rolled out on Monday in Evesham, Hereford, Kidderminster, Leominster, Oswestry, Ross-on-Wye, Shrewsbury, Telford, and Worcester as well as Redditch.
Local policing and operations assistant chief constable Grant Wills said: “We know the public want to see police officers in the heart of their communities.
“Our town centre teams will increase our police presence in some of our busiest cities and towns.”
The locations of the new teams have been chosen based on calls from the public, population and footfall with the teams supporting existing safer neighbourhood teams.
Mr Wills added: “It’s vital our officers are where they need to be and when to help prevent crime and reassure our communities.”
The teams are funded through Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion’s 2024/25 budget.
Mr Campion said: “Local shops and businesses form the lifeblood of our communities and through my investment – these first-of-a-kind teams will be visible and accessible whilst driving down crime and working closely with retailers to tackle their concerns.
