West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin welcomed effort to reduce crime across the south of the county with burglaries down 40 per cent.

The news was shared when the MP met with Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion and the temporary Chief Constable Richard Cooper in Westminster this week.

The pair briefed Dame Harriett on progress combatting low level crime and burglary across south Worcestershire as well as a 13 per cent increase in solving crimes.

The MP was also updated on efforts to find a permanent chief officer to lead West Mercia Police after the selected candidate became unable to take up the position in the summer.

Dame Harriett commented:

“I am pleased to hear that the local policing teams are making progress on reducing burglaries and over recent months, direct intervention on the streets, particularly in Pershore, has resulted in a reduction in low-level crime including anti-social behaviour and shop-lifting.

“It is always good to see police patrolling on the streets and I know that visible policing is a continual top priority for my constituents.

“Efforts to combat speeding drivers are important and I support the efforts to invest in technology to reduce the instance of speeding.

“The gap in a permanent senior leader is frustrating but I am hopeful that a rigorous vetting process will bring forward the right candidate to lead West Mercia as soon as possible.”

Photo: West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, Dame Harriett Baldwin MP and temporary Chief Constable Richard Cooper.