A SURVEY has revealed confidence in West Mercia Police by residents in the north of the county has increased.

The work by the PCC shows 86 per cent of residents in North Worcestershire “tended to agree or strongly agreed they had confidence in West Mercia Police – up 1 per cent from last quarter,” according to the findings.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “This survey gives me insight into how satisfied and confident 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’s encouraging to see that residents in North Worcestershire have confidence in their police force and are confident that they would receive a good service from them.”

Thousands of people across West Mercia were interviewed over a 12 month period.

Other findings show "85 per cent are fairly or very confident they would receive a good service – up 1 per cent from last quarter.

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However, 72 per cent said they felt West Mercia Police understands issue in their community – down 2 by per cent from last quarter," and "31 per cent said they see a police officer or PCSO at least weekly – down per cent from last quarter"; "26 per cent said crime and anti-social behaviour was a big or very big issue – up 4 per cent from last quarter".

PCC, John Campion, added: "There is always more to do, and I remain committed to improving officer visibility through the recruitment of new officers to West Mercia Police.

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