THE chief constable of West Mercia Police is targeting a four per cent reduction in crime over the next year, it has emerged.

David Shaw is pushing for the reduction in order to show the public the spending cuts are not impacting on the front line.

The target forms part of the newly launched Police and Crime Plan, a blueprint which lasts until 2017 and spells out the force’s main priorities.

The main aspects include: l Special constables will be handed ‘speed guns’ which record the travelling time of drivers, and can record their details to send them penalty points l Drugs has been made a major priority, with big efforts being made to tackle dealers across West Mercia, rather than focus on the users l Rural crimes like badger baiting, poaching, livestock theft and diesel draining will also become a major focus, and will get a strategy all of its own later this year l Civilian staff numbers will fall from 1,610 to 1,415 but police officers will not face any more reductions following the previous cull of 140 posts l In 2011/12 of the 9,000 crimes across West Mercia 13 per cent involved alcohol; bosses want to see it reduce by focusing on alcohol abuse l Response times to all emergencies and priority incidents will be maintained through to 2017, particularly through giving front line officers new IT.

The plan, which was originally published in draft form earlier this year, runs to 61 pages and will be reviewed annually.

A key part of the plan is the alliance with Warwickshire Police, aimed at saving a combined £30 million by sharing back office functions like IT and vehicles.

Bill Longmore, the police and crime commissioner, said: “During my time in office, and throughout the election period I have met and listened to many people to learn about their concerns and expectations.

“It’s because of this that I am confident this plan gets right to the heart of what matters to them - having a safer place in which to live, work and travel.”

Mr Shaw said: “It is bold and ambitious, and reflects the strong track record of this force over many years. Together with the police and crime commissioner and our partners, the workforce of West Mercia Police will continue to build on recent successes, so that we can protect and serve our communities even better.”

To see the plan in full visit westmercia-pcc.gov.uk