Update from West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner

Hello and welcome to my latest newsletter. This edition includes: a welcome spending review from the Chancellor; an opportunity to have YOUR say directly with me; more county lines arrests in the fight against Serious & Organised Crime and my support for White Ribbon Day, as I released a special series of podcasts alongside securing more funding to help raise awareness and tackle the issue of domestic abuse.

Due to the new COVID-19 government guidelines, my office is mainly working from home and, whilst we are able to take phone calls to our usual OPCC number, I would encourage you to contact us by emailing opcc@westmercia.pnn.police.uk or by using our social pages ‘westmerciapcc’ on Facebook and twitter. Any members of the public needing to call the office can do so between 09:00 and 17:00, Monday – Friday. Please stay safe and look out for each other.

I welcome the Chancellor’s one-year spending review… 
What matters to you? Have YOUR say with me directly…
With COVID-19 continuing to impact how I engage with communities, I am hosting a series of online events for the public to raise concerns with me directly – and I want to hear YOUR views.

The four online sessions are being conducted via Zoom and will each focus on Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire and Telford & Wrekin specifically.

Following on from the first session focusing on Herefordshire, the next sessions are due to take place as follows:

Shropshire – Thursday 3rd December, 6-7pm (register below)
Worcestershire – Wednesday 9th December, 6-7pm
Telford & Wrekin – Wednesday 16th December, 6-7pm

Register for the Shropshire event here »
Further information here »

It has now been confirmed that all areas of the West Mercia Police force area will be in tier 2 from next week, and we must continue to pull together as a community. Guidelines below…
I proudly supported White Ribbon Day, which continues to help victims of domestic abuse…
I released a special series of podcasts to raise awareness of the issue. Find each episode below…
1) The Hollie Gazzard Trust – This first episode features Nick Gazzard, who talks about his daughter, how he came to set up the Hollie Gazard Trust and how he hopes to help young people spot signs of abuse.

2) Spotting the signs of DA – I also spoke to Domestic Abuse Risk Officer, Donna Wailes, who talks about how she protects victims & how family and friends are key to spotting the signs.

3) The history of White Ribbon Day – I spoke to the Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK, Anthea Sully, who talks about the incredible history around White Ribbon Day, and the importance of men reaching out to their friends for help if they are behaving in a way that concerns them.

You can listen to the podcasts via Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Amazon Alexa, or alternatively on my website here

As well as awareness, the issue needs funding, and I am delighted to provide this alongside local and national partners…
Over half a million of funding to prevent domestic abuse

I secured over £560,000 of funding to support victims and to challenge and change the behaviour of those who are controlling or violent towards loved ones.

Full story here »

I continue to deliver on my commitment to helping victims across West Mercia

I am proud to work with local & national partners, like West Mercia Women’s Aid & Victim Advice Line (VAL), to ensure over £1,000,000 of funding reaches those who need it.

Find out more and access 24 hour helplines »

Latest news…
Op Protect: I am pleased to continue working with the force to tackle Serious and Organised Crime

Another county lines drug dealer has been put behind bars:

David Dudley from Birmingham has been sentenced to 33 months in prison after being caught at Hereford Train Station with crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply.

Read the full story here »

The impact of Serious and Organised Crime such as this can be devastating to individuals and entire communities, and I remain committed to tackling it.

You can read more about my commitment here »

I am pleased to work with partners to secure Home Office funding for our region

Over £550,000 of Safer Streets Funding secured by West Mercia Police, Telford & Wrekin Council and myself will improve the safety of residents in Brookside, Telford.

Click here for more and have YOUR say on where the money should be spent »

It is great to see partners coming together to create a more inclusive West Mercia

West Mercia Police is helping officers & staff provide an enhanced and more sensitive service to those affected by autism, by supporting the roll-out of Autism West Midlands’ Autism Alert Cards.

Read the full story here and how the cards really make a difference »

I am proud to fund initiatives that reduce the risk of young people being drawn into criminality

For example, I financially support and work with the Children’s Society.

Their Climb programme aims to prevent 10-17 year olds from entering the criminal justice system.

Find out more about the Children’s Society and what they do »

It is vital that the public continues to report crimes online where possible

The pandemic continues to place additional pressure on the control room as staff self-isolate.

It is vital to report crimes online where possible instead of calling 101, and to only dial 999 in an emergency.

How to report online »

There have been plenty of campaigns lately that I am proud to support…
I stand united against bullying – this year’s Anti-Bullying Week theme

This year more than ever, we have seen how society can come together for the common good.

Everyone has a part to play in spotting and tackling bullying, which can have a devastating impact on mental health.

Visit the Anti-Bullying Alliance for more information »

I supported those working in retail on National Respect for Shopworkers Week

During the Covid-19 pandemic, abuse of retail workers has doubled.

I offered a message of support for people working in the retail industry. Abuse is not part of the job and must not be tolerated.

Watch and listen to my message of support here »

I was honoured to contribute to the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

I was asked by RoadPeace to contribute to an online service remembering those who have lost their lives on our roads.

Head to Facebook to see my message »
Or you can watch the full service on YouTube »

I supported Road Safety Week as part of my ongoing road safety commitment

Too many lives are lost on our roads and families torn apart by the tragedy.

That is why I am proud to work with partners across our region to improve road safety by changing driving behaviour.

Find out more about how we’re working to support those at risk of dangerous driving »

This year’s Alcohol Awareness Week focused on its impact on mental health

Over half of drinkers (53%) said they have drunk alcohol for a mental health reason.

Meanwhile, 20 people a day die as a result of their drinking, this is not inevitable and there are ways we can reduce this.

Find out more about the support available here »

I wished a Happy Diwali to our Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities

It may have been a different experience this year, but let the candles lit be a symbol of hope for the future.

I marked the occasion on FacebookTwitter and Instagram »

International Fraud Awareness Week also reminded us to shop safely online this Black Friday & Christmas…
We must all be careful when shopping online this Christmas

Too many people fall victim to scams & fraud, consequently suffering financially and emotionally.
International Fraud Awareness Week reminds us to look out for our elderly and vulnerable, who are disproportionately targeted, and make them scam aware.

More on how to stay safe online »