Local Confidence Survey Results

The Government has set every police force a target to raise public confidence that the police and local councils are dealing with the anti-social behaviour and crime issues that matter locally.

The following proportions of people surveyed in each of the following Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) areas in West Mercia agree that the police and local councils are dealing with the anti-social behaviour and crime issues that matter in their area:

The results above are from a telephone survey that was conducted in each area which asked local people whether they agree that:

"The police and local council are dealing with the anti-social behaviour and crime issues that matter in this area."

Care should be taken in making comparisons with any local indicators published by other forces as they may have used different survey techniques.^[1]

More About The Results

Here are some recent examples showing a selection of the initiatives and investigative successes which have helped to boost confidence in the service West Mercia Police provides to its communities.

Outdoor PACT Surgeries Pave The Way In Herefordshire

A series of PACT (Partners and Communities Together) surgeries held in Hereford's busiest shopping precinct have proved such a success they are to be made a monthly fixture. Two pilot events aimed at migrant workers in the county were followed by a further event in December for all members of the local community. The marquee in High Town provided a focal point for activities and gave the public a one-stop-shop to speak with the police and our partner agencies. They were able to raise concerns and issues with their local officers as well as find a wealth of crime prevention advice. After proving very popular, the city centre PACT surgeries will now take place between 10am and 4pm on the third Wednesday of each month throughout 2010.

Prime Minister Praises Police Officer's Work With Young People

PC Richard Waterhouse has been praised by Gordon Brown as a 'local hero' at a special reception in Downing Street. He was nominated by Redditch MP Jacqui Smith for his work in the community, particularly with young people at the Ditch Youth Project, which he founded and runs. "It was a real honour to be invited to meet the Prime Minister," said Richard. "But I would like to pay tribute to the so many people who give their help in our community. If it were not for all those who help out, projects such as the Ditch simply wouldn't get off the ground."

New Police Base Brings Officers Closer To The Community

A new policing base on a Stourport housing estate is helping ensure local policing officers remain at the heart of the local community. The Walshes Policing Office was opened in December 2009 and is used as a base by the Areley Kings Local Policing Team. Inspector Paul Crowley said: "Being on the spot reduces travel times from the main police station and enables the team to respond more readily to community issues, as well as increasing visibility and providing great public reassurance."

Albrighton Officer Praised By Local Business

PC Rod Salt has been praised for his swift and "excellent" response following a theft. A lock and key were stolen from a business in Albrighton late one Sunday evening and the owner called police to ask them to keep a passing eye on the now insecure site. Rod arrived within half an hour, studied CCTV images and immediately identified the offenders. He returned shortly afterwards with the stolen key and lock. The owner of the business wrote to West Mercia full of praise for PC Salt: "The fact that he turned up so quickly and had excellent local knowledge meant that the crime could be sorted out really promptly and efficiently. I was very impressed by his response and actions, especially as he had been on duty until the early hours of the morning."

Man Jailed For Burglary Following Swift Police Action

A 30-year-old man was jailed for nearly four years in February after burgling two homes in Oakengates, Telford, in November 2009 and then attempting to break into both for a second time. He was caught when one of the victims heard him attempting to open the front door with a stolen key and dialled 999. Officers attended immediately and arrested the man in the back garden. Following further work by detectives and forensics experts he admitted the charges in court. One of the victims told the local newspaper: "We are very grateful for the fantastic job done by the police in investigating this case and were really impressed by the response we received and the professional way the investigation was handled. We have been kept informed about the case throughout and I cannot praise the officers involved highly enough."

Church Burglar Gets Nine-Year Sentence

A career burglar who stole cash from three Worcestershire churches is now serving nine years in prison, thanks to the speedy actions of two community support officers. The offender, who travelled around the country stealing from churches, was spotted booking into a hotel in Pershore in September 2009. Alerted via the Shop Watch radio system, CSOs Alex Fogwill and Andrew Russell reacted quickly and detained the man until he could be arrested by police officers. The man later admitted burgling three Worcestershire churches, as well as stealing from another and going equipped to commit a burglary.

Three Get Life Sentences For Fairfield Post Office Murder

Three men were jailed for life in December 2009 for the murder of Craig Hodson-Walker, who was shot dead in an armed raid at Fairfield General Stores and Post Office in north Worcestershire in January 2009. The men were also sentenced for the attempted murder of Craig's father Ken, who survived a gunshot wound to his leg. A fourth man, the getaway driver, was jailed for eight years for his part in the attempted robbery.

Judge Colman Treacy praised West Mercia Police for the "huge and intensive investigation" which followed the attempted robbery. He added: "I wish to commend all those involved in the investigation and give you my thanks on behalf of the court for a most efficient investigation and I am sure the local community in the part of Worcestershire concerned will be grateful for the splendid job you have done."

Footnote

1. The survey is based on a random sample of people in the local area. The use of a random sample aims to ensure that the results are statistically representative of the local population. Compared to other estimates of how the population is made up, the sample for this survey may under represent some subgroups.