HOME burglaries are down in the West Mercia Police region.

Burglaries of dwellings fell by 6% in April 2018 to March 2019 compared to the previous 12 months, while those of non-dwellings are down 7% – better than the national figure of 3%.

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said “The investments I have made are not only ensuring the police are better equipped to prevent and deal with crime, but enable the public to protect themselves longer term."

"My Smartwater offer still stands to those who want to take practical steps to continue to keep their communities safe.

"There are of course always areas we can improve on, and I committed to ensuring we continue to work together, to deliver the very best for communities across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin."

West Mercia Police deputy chief constable Amanda Blakeman said: “It is encouraging to see reductions in burglary, however that does not mean we are complacent and our efforts to reduce this even further continue.

"We know the huge impact being a victim of burglary can have on our communities and are grateful for the opportunity to work with John Campion to strengthen our response and help ensure we’re doing the very best for our communities."