The PCC has reiterated his commitment to reducing crime, bringing offenders to justice and supporting victims in his latest budget.

Police and crime commissioner John Campion recently unveiled his budget proposals for 2024/25, with a focus on investment made in West Mercia Police.

The budget for the upcoming year features an amplified focus on key areas of concern.

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Expect to see boosts to visible and accessible policing, enhanced investigations and improved public contact.

PCC Campion said: "My budget for 2024/25 sets out a positive plan for the communities of West Mercia.

"I recognise how important receiving a quality level of service from their police force is for the communities of West Mercia.

"Therefore, despite the financial challenges we continue to face as a nation, I am focused on delivering what the public have told me they want."

He added: "This budget is focused on realigning resources within policing to best meet community priorities and what really matters to them.

"I am building on the investment I had made to date in West Mercia Police and working with the Chief Constable to ensure resources are directed to these areas of concern.

"This includes protecting police officer numbers, developing town-centre policing teams, improving response times for 101 and 999, and seeing better investigations and outcomes for victims."

Temporary chief constable Alex Murray said: "Over the last year we have made a huge amount of progress in improving the service we deliver; we’ve seen crime reduced, more crimes solved and ultimately fewer victims across the counties we serve.

"These budget proposals will continue delivering improvements for the public and it’s right that we prioritise and focus our resources on the issues that matter most to the communities we serve."

PCC Campion will present these proposals to the Police and Crime Panel next week.