Official figures published by the Office for National Statistics for the year to March 2026 show overall crime across the West Mercia policing area fell by around 1%, yet the data reveal notable increases in offences that disproportionately affect women and girls.
Where crime has fallen
The ONS breakdown highlights substantial reductions in some high-volume categories. The most pronounced decrease was in vehicle-related crime, which fell by 23%. There were also declines in offences that commonly affect local neighbourhoods: public order offences reduced by 9%, general theft by 9% and shoplifting by 7%. Burglary offences fell by 7%, contributing to the modest overall drop.
Rises in serious offences
At the same time, the statistics show disturbing upward trends in crimes linked to violence and intimidation, particularly those affecting women and girls. Recorded stalking and harassment rose by 11%, while sexual offences increased by 8% over the same period. Other categories showing increases included drug offences (+9%) and miscellaneous crimes against society (+14%).
“These figures show welcome progress in reducing the crimes that most commonly affect people day to day... Any rise in serious offences such as sexual offences and stalking and harassment is deeply concerning,” said West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion.
Implications for policing and victims
Police and crime commissioners, and victims’ organisations, use ONS data to assess where resources and victim support services are required. West Mercia’s commissioner welcomed reductions in neighbourhood crime but warned that increases in sexual offending and stalking demand sustained attention. The statistics underline a dual challenge for policing: maintaining progress against acquisitive and public order offences while increasing capacity to respond to and investigate more serious personal crimes.
- Overall change: -1% in total recorded crime (12 months to March 2026)
- Largest fall: Vehicle crime -23%
- Notable rises: Stalking & harassment +11%; sexual offences +8%
Data summary
| Crime category | 12-month change |
|---|---|
| Vehicle crime | -23% |
| Public order offences | -9% |
| Theft offences | -9% |
| Burglaries | -7% |
| Shoplifting | -7% |
| Sexual offences | +8% |
| Drug offences | +9% |
| Stalking & harassment | +11% |
| Miscellaneous crimes against society | +14% |
The ONS publication does not identify the reasons for the shifts in recorded crime; changes can reflect actual incidence, reporting rates, policing priorities or recording practices. For victims of sexual offences and stalking, increased reporting can be a sign that confidence in the criminal justice process is changing, but it also places demand on investigative teams and support services. Local leaders have said they will continue to press West Mercia Police for targeted responses to the categories showing rises, while recognising the gains made on acquisitive crime.
Further analysis at neighbourhood level will be required to identify hotspots and to determine how resources should be allocated to protect vulnerable people and reduce harm across the force area.
