NEW figures from West Mercia police show an extra 231 officers have been recruited.
The force’s latest recruitment drive hoped to fill all vaccanices and add an additional 125 officers.
A further 40 officers are to be recruited this year, taking West Mercia police officer numbers to their highest on record.
Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion said: “Communities across West Mercia have told me time and time again that they want more visible police officers patrolling their streets.
“I have listened to feedback and delivered on my commitment to increase officer numbers to their highest level in more than a decade.
“This is a substantial increase, which will make a significant impact across West Mercia – helping people to feel safe and be safe.
Rachel Maclean, MP for Redditch said: “There are now more police on our streets than when I was first elected.
“These extra police officers will bolster efforts to drive down crimes like burglary and neighbourhood offences, return to common sense policing and make our communities feel safer and stronger.”
