Hello from your ever-vigilant Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, who’s here once again to remind us that crime exists, he’s fighting it, and your feedback is vitally important (as long as it fits the plan already written).
Let’s unpack this month’s headlines, shall we?
Local Policing Charter: We’re Listening, Honest!
Apparently, there’s a brand-new Local Policing Charter hot off the press – think of it as a manifesto for being visible, accessible, and engaging. The police are now promising to talk with you, not just at you. Big difference.
Oh, and it was “co-produced” with the community, which sounds a lot like asking the Parish Council for a tick-box and ignoring half of it. Still, a step in the right direction if your idea of progress includes mild eye contact and the odd community meeting.
Neighbourhood Policing: Smoke, Mirrors & 12 Whole Officers!
The Government says 31 new officers are coming. John, however, says: “Not quite – we’re actually getting 12. And they’re not all PCSOs either, just rebranded ones.”
So, good news if you’re into reclassifying job titles rather than actual boots on the ground. It’s policing by spreadsheet.
Serious Crime Gets Seriously Handled
West Mercia Police have been busy:
- £6 million frozen from criminals
- £2 million seized by the new Asset Recovery Team
- £500k grabbed in Operation Henhouse (yes, really – no word on whether any actual hens were involved)
All very dramatic, involving barbershops, corner shops, and enough warrant activity to make a Hollywood director blush.
Drones Over Prisons? Not On Our Watch
In a plotline ripped from a bad sci-fi thriller, criminals have been using drones to drop off goodies into prisons. Eight drones seized, 20 people under investigation. We wait with bated breath for “Operation Sky Net”…
Victims’ Hub: Help Us Name It!
There’s a shiny new Victims’ Hub on the way, and they’d like your help to name it and shape how it looks. Suggestions like “The Coping Cabin” or “The Support Shed” welcome. You’ll get a friendly chat and probably not be ignored.
Operation Spotlight: Revving Up Road Safety
Motorcyclists of Redditch, this one’s for you. Come along, ride around with a police observer, get some free feedback, then ride home smugly knowing you didn’t get a speeding ticket (yet). Bonus: there’s coffee and maybe a free voucher if you behave.
Strike Days: 13 Arrested, Bad Guys Beware
In a one-day blitz across Herefordshire, the police bagged 13 suspects. Not bad – though we hope next time they aim for a full house.
Catch22: Fighting Exploitation
A serious one: Catch22 has been hired to support vulnerable young people, particularly those being exploited. Backed by boxing clubs and rural recovery projects, it’s about giving kids a fighting chance – literally and figuratively.
Retail Crime in Whitchurch: Let’s Chat
John hosted a Community Conversation in Whitchurch about shoplifting and retail crime. It’s unclear what was solved, but at least people got to complain in person, which feels wonderfully vintage.
Street Rangers: Crime’s Least Suspecting Nemesis
In Oswestry, high-vis heroes known as Street Rangers are patrolling town with the power of friendliness, first aid, and mild conflict resolution. John’s slinging them £40k over two years, which is nice. Possibly more effective than the Parish Council, but then again, so is a traffic cone.
Final Thoughts
John’s newsletter is part progress report, part PR exercise, with a few real wins and a lot of “we’re trying, honest”. There’s still a long way to go – especially when 12 new officers are hailed as a major breakthrough. But at least it’s an acknowledgment that crime exists, communities matter, and we should all talk more. Preferably with fewer buzzwords.
