AS SHOPLIFTING continues to fall, crimes that disproportionately affect women and girls are on the rise in West Mercia.
According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, reports of stalking and harassment increased by 13 per cent, while rape and sexual offences rose by 8 per cent over the 12-month period up to December 2025.
Overall recorded crime has decreased by 15 per cent since 2022, vehicle offences fell by 14 per cent, including theft of, and theft from vehicles and vehicle interference.
Outperforming the national average, shoplifting has fallen by a further 6 per cent in West Mercia, when compared to a 1 per cent decrease nationally.
Public order offences and possession of weapons offences both fell by 3 per cent.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “It’s welcome to see further progress in some areas, particularly shoplifting, when we are seeing offences spike nationally.
“However, the continued rise in offences linked to violence against women and girls is a serious concern.
“Although this trend is not unique to West Mercia, I remain committed to doing all I can, locally, to support victims and strengthen the collective response to crimes that are disproportionately perpetrated by men.”
