Hundreds of violent crimes going unpunished in West Midlands city, figures show
A “local resolution” was found in three cases and offenders were given a caution 10 times.
Hundreds of violent crimes committed in Worcester are going unpunished.
Crime data shows West Mercia Police has been unable to prosecute a suspect for 682 violent and sexual offences reported in the city since the start of the year.
No suspect was identified following an investigation in another 88 cases.
The force investigated a total of 1,406 violent and sexual offences between January and April 2026.
Of those, 542 are still under investigation.
According to the figures, published by data.police.uk after being provided by West Mercia Police itself, the force is awaiting a court outcome for 66 cases investigated in the first four months of the year and for 11 cases, action is being taken by another organisation.
It was decided that taking further action was not in the public interest in three cases, and that further investigation was not in the public interest for one case.
A “local resolution” was found in three cases and offenders were given a caution 10 times.
Detective Chief Inspector Edward Slough from the Public Protection Unit for Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: “Rape and other serious sexual offences are some of the most complex and sensitive cases our officers deal with, and our aim for every investigation is to secure the appropriate outcome and justice for victims.
“We work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) throughout each investigation, and we now have dedicated RASSO (Rape and Serious Sexual Offences) officers to strengthen that partnership and improve the chances of appropriate charges being brought.
“As a force, we will continue to listen, evolve, and refine our approach so that victims feel confident coming forward and offenders are held accountable.”
City councillor and former candidate for police and crime commissioner Sarah Murray said: “These figures are concerning, particularly for victims who have had the courage to come forward expecting justice to be done.”
But she added: “It is important to understand the reasons why these cases have not resulted in a prosecution.
“Violent and sexual offences are often complex investigations, and outcomes can be affected by factors such as evidential challenges, victims feeling unable to continue with the process, or difficulties securing charges that meet the required legal threshold.
“That said, every case where an offender is not brought to justice represents a victim left without the outcome they hoped for.
“We need to understand whether these figures reflect wider pressures on policing, investigative capacity, victim support services, or the criminal justice system as a whole.
“For many years, police forces have faced significant pressures on resources while also dealing with increasing demand and growing complexity in the cases they investigate.
“That is not an excuse for poor outcomes, but it is an important part of the picture. Victims need confidence that reports will be thoroughly investigated and that they will be supported throughout what can be a lengthy and difficult process.
“I would welcome greater transparency from West Mercia Police about the reasons behind these outcomes. Victims deserve confidence that the criminal justice system will deal with cases fairly, effectively and without unnecessary delay.”