WEST Mercia Police are trialling a new community scheme in Wythall which they hope will increase security in the area and help prevent crime.
Street Watch is a national initiative, run locally by volunteers who work closely with their neighbourhood policing team to identify areas of risk and increase engagement between them and the community.
A small group of volunteers has already been recruited in Wythall where a pilot scheme was launched last Thursday (20 January) as part of the National Police Chiefs Council neighbourhood policing week of action.
West Mercia Chief Constable Pippa Mills and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Tracey Onslow were both at the launch to give their support to the pilot scheme which, if successful, will be introduced in other areas of West Mercia.
The volunteers do not have any policing powers but are given training for their roles and have the support of officers.
Inspector Lee Page, of West Mercia Police, said: “Street Watch is already proving to be worthwhile in other force areas and I am delighted that we are able to run this trial in West Mercia.
“Its success is largely due to the commitment of local people wanting to do the best for their communities.”
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion added: “These volunteers are making a valuable contribution to making our communities be safe and feel safe.
“My commitment is to ensure that West Mercia is a visible and accessible as possible and I’m grateful to all the volunteers who have played a part in this.”
