WEST Mercia Police have launched a special campaign focusing on rural crime.

This began days after policing was strongly criticised by Ludlow Town Council with major concerns about the lack of police resources in the area.

But Barrie Sheldon, the acting Police and Crime Commissioner contends that the force is committed to providing the resources that are needed.

"We are still totally committed to providing the necessary resources to effectively tackle rural crime, and we hope people will be reassured by the range and amount of positive action being taken by the police, in conjunction with other partners,” he said.

A '50 days of focus' campaign aims to raise awareness of the policing activities happening each and every day in rural communities to help reduce crime.

Different activities will be taking place every day, from crime prevention advice to information on rural crime operations.

"Fifty days of focus is our opportunity to highlight the good work our local policing teams are doing each and every day,” said Superintendent Sue Thomas who is leading the campaign.

“When crime occurs in the rural community it can have a major impact on the victim, it can affect their livelihood and their ability to do business when items are stolen or damaged and it can also create a fear of crime in isolated rural locations.

"One of the challenges of policing in rural communities is the vast distances between properties and businesses. We are working hard with our partners at ways of bringing us closer to the people who need us at times they want to see us and we are committed to providing crime prevention advice to help people protect their property and reduce crime."