Recent data shows that the Met Police have failed to solve most car thefts in London, raising concerns among residents and officials alike
London: The Met Police are facing some serious heat for not solving a whopping 90% of car thefts. Can you believe it? New figures show that between February and June 2024, most car theft cases in the city just went cold.
According to the data, the police looked into nearly 9,000 car thefts but only managed to charge a tiny fraction—just 80 cases. That’s less than 1%! It’s no wonder people are feeling pretty frustrated.
Across England and Wales, the average for unsolved car thefts is around 78.5%. But London takes the cake with the highest rate. Other areas like South Yorkshire and Essex aren’t far behind, but London’s numbers are really eye-popping.
Lisa Smart from the Liberal Democrats didn’t hold back, saying victims are left without justice while thieves roam free. She pointed out that cuts to community policing have made things worse, urging the government to step up and invest in local police.
The Met Police did respond, acknowledging how tough it is for victims, especially those who rely on their cars for work. They’re trying to tackle the issue with new plans and partnerships to recover stolen vehicles.
They also shared some tips for drivers, like using steering locks and keeping keys in signal-blocking pouches. It’s all about prevention, right?
A Home Office spokesperson called car theft a “distressing crime” and mentioned ongoing efforts to combat it. They’re working on training officers and promoting secure vehicle practices.
Even London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan is in on the action, wanting to see more car thieves caught. He’s pushing for better security features from car manufacturers and is investing in local policing to help tackle the issue.
It’s clear that everyone’s hoping for a safer London, but with these numbers, there’s a long way to go.
