COMMUNITIES in Evesham and Pershore are getting good value for money, from West Mercia Police according to a report from Her Majesty’s Inspectororate of Police and Fire and Rescue Services.
The figures, which show lower levels of crime despite a smaller spend on policing per population have been welcomed by the force.
West Mercia spends on average £170 per head of population, below average when compared to all other forces nationally, and to forces within similar groups.
The figures show the majority of spending goes towards local frontline policing, with an increased level of joiners as the force recruit a further 215 officers.
The report also highlighted decreases in crime across some key areas such as burglary, vehicle offences, theft and drugs offences.
Where crime had increased, this was usually at a lower rate to the national levels.
The figures also showed a higher percentage of suspects identified, when compared to other similar forces and nationally.
Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, John Campion, said “Our communities expect their taxes to be spent efficiently and effectively, and to be focused on what matters to them – increasing visible policing, reducing crime and identifying suspects.
“This data shows the force is providing good value for money across all of these measures, and that public money is helping to build safer communities.”
To view the data in full: https://bit.ly/33qKcvy .
