SHROPSHIRE residents have perceived a modest improvement in crime and anti-social behaviour levels, for a third quarter, according to a recent survey by West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Campion.

As part of Mr Campion’s commitment to listening and acting on the concerns raised by the communities in Shropshire, a survey is carried out to help inform the PCC about which elements of the force are doing well and where there are areas for improvement.

Thousands of people across West Mercia were interviewed over a 12-month period, and showed that in Shropshire, 85 per cent tended to agree or strongly agreed they had confidence in West Mercia Police which was up two per cent from last quarter.

That 67 per cent tended to agree or strongly agreed that West Mercia Police understands community concerns – no change from last quarter; 29 per cent said crime and anti-social behaviour was quite a big or very big problem – down two per cent on last quarter and that 67 per cent said West Mercia Police were doing a good or excellent job – up four per cent from last quarter.

Mr Campion said: “I promised to put the public at the heart of policing in Shropshire.

"This survey gives me insight into how satisfied and confident Shropshire residents are in their local police service.

"The results are used to help me shape my investments in policing and effectively hold the Chief Constable to account where the service can improve.

“It is encouraging to see that, for a third quarter, there has been a modest improvement in perception of crime and anti-social behaviour in Shropshire, but there is always more work to be done.

“I will continue to use the data from this survey to make the necessary improvements across Shropshire, and to ensure West Mercia has the right resources in place to tackle the issues important to our communities.”