VICTIMS of crime in Worcestershire can now have a say in how an offender is punished under a new scheme launched by two Police and Crime Commissioners.

Under the new approach victims of anti-social behaviour and low level crime such as low level criminal damage, low value theft and minor assaults will for the first time have a say in how the offender is punished by choosing from a list of options.

The choice of options, known as 'community remedies', were selected following a consultation run by both Police and Crime Commissioners, Ron Ball (Warwickshire) and Bill Longmore (West Mercia) over the summer.

By making offenders take responsibility for their behaviour the new system aims to help put the power of local justice back into the community.

The full list of community remedies available to victims include:

• An apology from the offender, in person, or a written apology, which is genuine and acceptable to the victim. (You would not be forced to meet the offender face to face if you did not want to). It can be helpful for the offender to apologise to their victim because it makes them face up to the consequences of their actions.

• A third party to bring together both parties to reach a common agreement to resolve a dispute.

• A ban from named premises for a specified period of time.

• An Acceptable Behaviour Contract.

• A 'reparative' activity – putting things right such as cleaning, repairing damage etc.

• Financial compensation by means of a one-off payment for the damage caused to land or property, or the cost of replacing stolen goods, or a donation to a charity of the victim’s choice.

• Any other appropriate action the police officer has agreed with the victim and subsequently with the officer’s line manager.

If both the victim and offender agree to it, the community remedy can be implemented immediately by the police. Bill Longmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia said: “This new approach brings things back to the people, so those affected can have some influence in the way low-level incidents are dealt with. We consulted widely with partners and the public in developing this list of remedies and the result is something that is very positive.”