Key Points
- West Mercia Police are searching for 45-year-old Mark Hewitt, who is wanted on recall to prison.
- Officers said Hewitt has known links to Stourbridge, Malvern, and Ledbury.
- Investigating officers are appealing to the public for information on his current location.
- Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting log.
Stourbridge (Birmingham Express) September 22, 2026 — West Mercia Police have launched a public appeal to locate 45-year-old Mark Hewitt, who is currently wanted on recall to prison. Officers investigating his whereabouts confirmed that Hewitt has active connections across the West Midlands and Worcestershire regions, specifically highlighting Stourbridge, Malvern, and Ledbury.
As reported by Matthew O’Hara, Senior Reporter for the Dudley News, West Mercia Police are appealing directly to local communities for any information that could assist in tracking down the individual. Further reporting by journalists at the Stourbridge News confirms that officers are eager to trace Hewitt to ensure he is safely returned to custody.
How Can the Public Contact Authorities With Information?
Law enforcement authorities have provided direct channels for citizens to report potential sightings or details regarding Hewitt’s current location.
As stated by a official spokesperson for West Mercia Police:
“If you know where Hewitt is or have any information to help find him, please call 101 quoting log 00024_I_12082026.”
For individuals who prefer to remain completely anonymous, information can also be submitted through non-governmental channels. As noted by West Mercia Police, members of the public can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers.
What Is the Background of This Police Appeal?
A licence recall occurs when an individual who was previously released from custody on parole or licence conditions breaches those agreed parameters. Under UK criminal justice procedure, the Ministry of Justice or Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service issues a formal recall order, directing police forces to locate and arrest the individual to serve the remainder or a designated portion of their sentence in custody.
West Mercia Police, which serves Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire, frequently collaborates with neighbouring forces such as West Midlands Police when wanted individuals hold cross-border connections. Given Stourbridge’s geographic proximity to Worcestershire towns such as Malvern and Ledbury, multi-agency communication remains standard operational protocol for tracing subjects moving between metropolitan and rural police divisions.
How Could This Development Affect Local Residents and Communities?
Impact on Residents in Stourbridge, Malvern, and Ledbury
- Increased Public Awareness: Residents across Stourbridge, Malvern, and Ledbury are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any verified sightings immediately to local authorities.
- Heightened Police Presence: Community members may notice routine officer patrols and localized enquiries across areas where Hewitt is known to frequent.
- Legal Responsibilities: Law enforcement reminds the public that assisting or harbouring an individual known to be wanted on prison recall constitutes a criminal offence, which can lead to prosecution and potential custodial sentences for involved third parties.
