West Mercia Police will be tweeting an anonymised outline of every single report made to them via 999 and 101 in a 24-hour ‘Tweetathon’ starting at 7am on Friday, October 28th.

The aim is to demonstrate the variety of calls received and to open the window on policing as part of Protect 2016.

Each day, on average, West Mercia Police responds to 199 recorded crimes including 63 violent crimes, eight sexual offences, 21 burglary offences, 15 vehicle crimes, five theft offences, 17 shoplifting offences, 26 criminal damage and arson offences, eight drug offences and eight public order offences.

Whilst carrying out an arrest is one action the police take it is not by any means the only way that we respond to incidents and crimes in our communities. Protect 2016 is a way for residents to understand how the police operate, and see the work they do.

Protect 2016 starts on Friday, October 28th and for the following 10 days will be showcasing the work carried out by West Mercia Police. From the execution of arrest warrants to web chats with senior officers and crime prevention events, the full spectrum of modern-day policing will be on show for all to see. The PCC, John Campion, is supporting Protect 2016, taking part in a series of visits and activities designed to give communities an insight into policing. The Commissioner, his Deputy Tracey Onslow, and his four Community Ambassadors, will be engaging with communities, accompanying the police on Halloween patrols, conducting arrest warrants and working with partners in other emergency services.

Mr Campion said:?“We often only get snapshots of the police’s work from the media, or what we see and hear in our own lives. Protect gives all our communities the chance to take a closer, more comprehensive look at what goes into policing every day. I have personally found it very reassuring to see the professionalism and breadth of police activity in West Mercia. I would encourage all our communities to take the opportunity to gain more of an insight into policing during the 10 days of Protect.”

Speaking ahead of the event Deputy Chief Constable Chris Singer said: "Police themed movies and television documentaries might give a very exciting and dramatic picture of the role of the police, but they rarely show the actual variety of work that your police service carry out each and every day.

To enable day-to-day business to continue on their normal Twitter feed they have set up a new account for the Tweetathon. To join in please follow @WMerciaPolice1 or keep an eye on the action with #OpProtect.