SOUTH Worcesteshire’s new Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team have arrested 55 people since their launch in July.
The new West Mercia Policing team focus on tackling the crimes the public want prioritised such as anti-social behaviour, drugs, major thefts, and criminal damage.
Another NCFT team has been set up in Shropshire leading to 68 arrests.
South Worcestershire and Shropshire NCFTs are supporting Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs), Problem Solving Teams, Roads Policing, Proactive Teams, and the wider force.
The team for North Worcestershire is being launched next week and teams for Herefordshire and Telford will be in place soon.
South Worcestershire’s NCFT is headed by sergeant Shaun Blackshaw.
He said: “I’m pleased our efforts have already dramatically reduced criminality by arresting and charging suspects over high value burglaries, Class A drug dealing, seizing weapons and recall to prison.
“The support from members of the public has been fantastic when they’ve seen us on foot patrol throughout South Worcestershire.
“We look forward to continuing this collaborative approach acting swiftly to bring in suspects for our partner teams and being visible in our communities.”
The new teams have been funded by the force’s annual precept to increase officer numbers to record levels in West Mercia.
