PCC invests in specialist 4x4s focused on rural communities in West Mercia

WEST Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has invested in two new 4×4 vehicles to help the force’s officers tackle rural crime, writes Zaynab Hamdy.

Statistics show a third of West Mercia’s population lives in a rural area and the force covers 8,451 farms – the most in England and more than double the second-highest force total of Lincolnshire.

Due to off-road capability, the 4x4s will help officers access areas standard police cars struggle to reach, including: bridleways, farm tracks, uneven ground and locations where road conditions can slow down responses.

This investment is a step forward into delivering a key priority within the PCC’s Safer Communities Plan: ‘supporting rural communities to feel safe’.

Recent progress includes the roll-out of rural crime training for call handlers, delivering a partnership with the NFU following feeback from the farming community and continued funding for five Rural and Business Officers.

Mr Campion said: “With West Mercia Police covering the fourth-largest geographical policing area in England and Wales, the mix of urban and rural landscapes presents unique challenges.”

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West Mercia Police Chief Constable, Richard Cooper, welcomed the investment adding it strengthened the force’s ability to provide a visible and reliable police presence for rural communities and reflected the continued commitment to keeping people safe wherever they lived.

Call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to report rural crime.