PEOPLE in Worcestershire can now report crime online.

West Mercia and Warwickshire Police have revamped their websites, introducing a range of new features including the ability to report minor and non-emergency crimes online, renew firearms licences and take part in surveys.

Through the new 101LiveChat system residents can speak directly to a police operator about crimes and issues such as minor car crashes, suspected drug dealing and stolen vehicles.

Although the system is currently in a limited trial phase, if it is successful it will be rolled out 24 hours a day.

West Mercia Police Chief Constable David Shaw said: "Engagement with our communities on a daily basis is of paramount importance to us.

“As well as telling people what we are doing, how they can contact us and get involved, these websites provide an excellent modern platform through which people can really make a difference.

“Many people nowadays use digital channels on a daily basis and we want to make engaging with our forces as easy as possible and offer the right services to people in a way they find easy to access."

Other new features include the facility to let policing teams know which issues they should be focusing on, more detailed crime mapping and live webchats with Safer Neighbourhood Teams.

Although both forces will continue to have separate websites with information and resources tailored to their specific areas, each is run on the same system, saving the taxpayer money.

Both websites have the same addresses as the previous ones. Visit www.westmercia.police.uk for more information.