THE continuing fall in burglary offences across West Mercia is down to a 'committed approach' across the force, said the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

Burglaries of dwellings have fallen six per cent, and of non-dwellings by seven per cent, putting the region ahead of the three per cent national trend for the year ending March 2019, according to ONS data.

The figures, published last month, show the positive impact of the investment in several initiatives to protect homes and businesses from burglary, said PCC John Campion.

Schemes include Smartwater technology and We Don’t Buy Crime Officers as well as other increased resources around business and rural crime.

Mr Campion also invested in police resources, including increasing officer numbers and improved victim services, to provide the best possible service to those who are affected.

Other crime types, including vehicle crime, bicycle theft, criminal damage and drug offences, have also shown a continual decrease, in the most recent figures.

Mr Campion said: “I made a commitment to make our communities safer, and this is just one example of how this is being achieved.

"The investments I have made are not only ensuring the police are better equipped to prevent and deal with crime, but enable the public to protect themselves longer term."

He admitted, however, "there are, of course, always areas we can improve on" and further committed to "ensuring we continue to work together, to deliver the very best for communities".

Police Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, after praising the PCC's efforts, said, while the figures are encouraging "that does not mean we are complacent" and the constabulary knows the "huge impact" of being a burglary victim can have.