Urge for caution as crime figures show overall fall, but rise in sexual violence

Liberal Democrat Police and Crime Spokesperson for West Mercia, Cllr Sarah Murray, has welcomed an overall drop in recorded crime across the force area, but warned that the figures mask deeply concerning trends — including a 9 per cent rise in sexual offences.

“Any fall in recorded crime is good news,” said Cllr Murray. “But we can’t ignore the rise in sexual violence or assume that fewer total reports mean safer communities. Some residents tell me they no longer bother reporting crime because they’ve lost faith that anything will happen — and that’s worrying.

Every crime that goes unreported leaves victims unsupported and communities unseen. Fewer reports are not success if they come from silence.”

Cllr Murray called for renewed focus on visible neighbourhood policing, better victim care, and specialist support for survivors of sexual and domestic abuse.

“We must make sure that victims of these serious crimes feel able to come forward and know they’ll be heard and supported. Building trust in the police is the foundation of safer communities.”