Shoplifting among targets of new police teams

Ten dedicated teams would focus on shoplifting and other specific issues in town and city centres across Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the force said

Shoplifting and anti-social behaviour will be among the issues targeted by new town centre police teams, a force says.

West Mercia Police said the officers would work closely with businesses in 10 places across Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The teams will be seen in Evesham, Hereford, Kidderminster, Leominster, Oswestry, Redditch, Ross-on-Wye, Shrewsbury, Telford and Worcester from this week.

The locations were chosen based on calls from the public, their population and footfall, said the force.

"We know the public want to see police officers in the heart of their communities," stated Assistant Chief Constable Grant Wills.

The new teams would work closely with local shops and businesses "to take preventative steps against the crimes which impact on them the most," he added.

They included taking control of shoplifting investigations where a suspect was arrested and taking a "problem-solving approach" to longer-term issues.

According to the Office for National Statistics, more than 430,000 shoplifting offences were recorded by police in England and Wales last year - the highest figure since current police records began in 2003.

The officers would support existing safer neighbourhood teams, the force added

The town centre teams are being funded through police and crime commissioner (PCC) John Campion’s 2024-25 budget.

"I have listened to, acted on and now delivered on calls from the public to ensure our town centres have dedicated policing teams," said the PCC.