Police commissioner: Further changes to crime in West Mercia are inevitable after lockdown
West Mercia's re-elected Police and Crime Commissioner says that criminals have adapted to lockdowns and that the nature of crime will change again as the country opens up.
John Campion was speaking after crime figures were released showing that reported crime overall fell in 2020, although harassment and drug offences actually rose.
Mr Campion said: “As a result of the pandemic, and associated lockdowns, crime has naturally changed.
"However unfortunately crime didn’t stop completely, the criminals just found other ways of committing their offences, using the pandemic to their advantage and targeting the vulnerable.
"As we transition out of this lockdown, it is inevitable that we will once again see changes to the crime figures.
“I remain committed to protecting the communities of West Mercia and I will ensure the force has the resources needed to do that. I will also be seeking reassurance from the chief constable, in a holding to account meeting, that the force is utilising these resources effectively.
"I also urge communities to be vigilant and continue looking out for each other.”
In non-emergencies, report crime using 101. Use 999 in an emergency.
