Sharp increase in robbery level

The number of robberies and violent crimes in the West Mercia Police region have increased in the last year.

Home Office statistics show robberies soared by nearly 30% between April 2006 and March 2007. Violent crime rose by 2% in the same period.

However, overall crime levels fell for the third successive year, with 3,258 fewer crimes committed in the region in 2006/7 compared with the year before.

The force area covers Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.

The number of robberies reported in 2006/7 rose to 581 from 453 the year before.

Levels 'unprecedented'

Instances of reported violent crime rose to 17,510 from 17,166.

The level of vehicle crime and burglaries both fell in the same period, however, dropping nine and 13% respectively.

Dep Ch Con Ian Arundale said: "These low levels of offences are unprecedented across England and Wales.

"Our force area has always been and clearly remains one of the safest places in the country in which to live and work and we are determined to do all we can to ensure it stays safe."

Paul Deneen, chairman of West Mercia Police Authority, said: "These figures show how much can be achieved by engaging with local communities and responding to their needs."