VICTIMS of crime in Redditch and Bromsgrove can now have a say in how an offender is punished, under a new scheme launched by Police and Crime Commissioners Bill Longmore.

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 over the summer.

They include an apology from the offender, in person, or a written apology, a ban from named premises for a specified period of time, an Acceptable Behaviour Contract, a reparative activity (putting things right) or financial compensation by means of a one-off payment.

It is hoped this will help to delivery justice more quickly, by providing speedier alternatives to court proceedings.

f 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."