Wem Rural Parish Council is urging residents to report all crimes, no matter how minor they may seem, to ensure that our community receives the police funding and resources it deserves. This follows a recent statement in Parliament by North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan, highlighting the direct impact that crime reporting has on funding allocations for rural areas.
Helen Morgan addressed the House of Commons, saying:
“The Minister will know that the funding for allocations for policing are based on reported crime and not on underlying crime rates. In rural areas like North Shropshire, people report that they don’t always report a crime when it happens. Residents in Oswestry and Whitchurch have told me that they don’t bother to phone the police because they don’t think anyone’s coming.
So will the Minister consider reassessing that formula to ensure that in rural areas the funding reflects the level of underlying crime that’s going on?”
While the Minister responded with assurances of increased funding for 2025/6, she stressed the importance of crime reporting, stating:
“We need to have that information so the police can then make the resources available that are required.”
This issue is not just a problem for larger towns like Oswestry and Whitchurch but also affects rural areas like Wem Rural. A failure to report crime contributes to a lack of resources, perpetuating the cycle of under-policing and leaving communities vulnerable.
Practical Tips to Prevent Crime
While reporting crime is essential, prevention is equally important. Wem Rural Parish Council encourages all residents, particularly farmers and landowners, to take proactive steps to protect their property and reduce opportunities for criminal activity.
- Secure Your Equipment: Always remove keys from tractors, quad bikes, and other machinery when not in use. Lock doors and gates to deter opportunistic thieves.
- Install Security Measures: Motion-sensor lighting, CCTV cameras, and alarms can act as a strong deterrent for would-be criminals.
- Mark Your Property: Use security marking tools or paint to make valuable items identifiable. This helps police trace stolen goods back to you.
- Stay Vigilant: Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately, even if it seems minor. Sharing information with neighbours and local WhatsApp groups can also help.
Why Reporting Matters
As Helen Morgan highlighted, the current funding formula for policing is based on the number of reported crimes. If incidents go unreported, it gives the impression that crime levels are low, and the funding allocated to our area remains insufficient.
We understand that some residents may feel discouraged after not receiving follow-ups on previous reports. However, it is vital to keep reporting crime. Each report contributes to a clearer picture of the challenges facing our rural community and strengthens our case for increased resources.
Together, we can ensure that Wem Rural and the surrounding villages are safe, supported, and appropriately funded. Let’s take action today by reporting crime and preventing it wherever possible.
For non-emergency crimes, contact West Mercia Police at 101 or report online via their website. In an emergency, always dial 999.
