'Overstretched' police can't investigate every theft, says cllr

Richard Udall, who is responsible for scrutinising crime and disorder at Worcestershire County Council, said officers are “already overstretched”.

He was responding to West Mercia police and crime commissioner John Campion’s call for officers to follow “all reasonable lines of enquiry” amid demands for every crime to be investigated.

Cllr Udall, who represents St John's, said: “Perhaps it may be a good idea to first ensure that West Mercia actually has sufficient frontline, round-the-clock uniformed response officers to meet this growing demand.

Richard Udall says 'years of cuts have left the police decimated'

“Plus establish investigation teams that can investigate all crimes instead of leaving an overwhelming majority of reported crime to be investigated by already overstretched response officers who are simply swamped with crime reports and cannot dedicate the time to properly investigate them.

READ MORE: Police should 'follow all leads' when investigating thefts

“Thirteen years of cuts have left the police decimated.

"They are fighting crime with inadequate numbers, low pay, less training and poor kit.

“Record numbers have left the force over the last 12-18 months, the force is haemorrhaging officers at an unsustainable rate.”

“Frankly, Mr Campion needs to get away from his slogans, he needs to work several shifts alongside our uniformed response officers, gain a full understanding of the needless form filling and bureaucracy and the wasted hours of doing non-police work.

“He should listen, understand and work with the chief constable to enact real change.  

“We need the commissioner to stop believing in his own propaganda and to start listening to the representatives of rank-and-file police officers.”

Cllr Udall added: “I will be inviting the West Mercia Police Federation to come and meet with me to explain their concerns and to hear what they believe should change.

PCC John Campion says there have been record levels of investment in West Mercia Police (Image: John Campion)

“I will listen and learn and I will take my findings to the county council and if necessary, I will recommend changes.”

Mr Campion said: “It’s a shame, but not surprising, to hear Cllr Udall criticise something - particularly when it concerns a commitment that seeks to put victims first.

“Rather than anecdotes, the facts are clear – following record levels of investment going into West Mercia Police, the force now has the highest number of police officers in its history.

“I am therefore clear that the public should be feeling the benefit of this investment and that the force is taking all reasonable lines of inquiry when a crime is reported.

“As PCC, I will continue to ensure the force has the resources, tools and training it needs, as seen with the recent launch of five brand-new Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Teams who are working in the heart of communities across West Mercia to drive down crime and bring offenders to justice.”