ALL house burglary victims in Worcester will get a visit from a police officer, pledges a force's chief constable.

Chief Constable Pippa Mills says tackling burglary is a priority for West Mercia Police and that officers understand its 'devastating' impact.

Now all who fall victim to burglary across the force including in Worcester, Malvern, Evesham, Pershore and Droitwich can expect an officer to come to their home.

The Daily Mail has this week reported how police chiefs have agreed for the first time to send an officer to every burgled home with all 43 chief constables in England and Wales signing up to the 'landmark deal'. 

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Only this week we have reported on a 'despicable' distraction burglary in Droitwich during which a 93-year-old dying woman was tricked into letting two women, both posing as nurses, into her home.

The three-bedroom semi-detached house was ransacked during the raid in St Nicholas Street on Tuesday as the force launches an investigation.

Officers have made arrests in Worcester last month following city burglaries in and around London Road with a 45-year-old city man arrested during a suspected break-in. Also last month, a 43-year-old man was arrested at a city home after he was detained by the homeowner in Lansdowne Crescent, Worcester.

Chief constable Mills said: "Whilst the number of burglaries locally is low, the impact of being a victim can be devastating.

"That’s why it is our policy to attend all burglaries.

"We see the importance of this, both in terms of evidence gathering and in ensuring the right support is in place for victims and that we can help them feel safe in their homes."

However, Chief constable Mills admitted police had work to do. 

She said: "There are still areas for improvement, and we want to be open, honest and transparent about this – the number of investigations that result in a charge is not where we want it to be. This is something we are working to improve in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service. We will do better."

Chief constable Mills added: "Through investment from the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, our officer numbers are currently the highest they have been in over a decade, and we are currently recruiting more.

"This means we can be more visible in our communities, which we know acts as a deterrent."

Police also provide a community messaging service, Neighbourhood Matters, which emails people to warn of offences in their areas, offer crime prevention advice and updates on cases and offers property marking technology, SmartWater. 

She added a recent survey showed communities were 'increasingly satisfied with the response we give to burglary.'