The Liberal Democrats urge the Government to enhance community policing to address the rising number of unsolved car thefts across the UK
Greater Manchester: The Liberal Democrats are really pushing for better community policing. They believe it could help solve the growing number of car thefts that are just left hanging. Can you believe nearly 25,000 car thefts went unsolved in just three months?
According to their analysis of Home Office data, about 78.5% of car thefts don’t get solved. They think this is mainly due to not having enough police time and resources. It’s a bit of a mess, honestly.
Lisa Smart, the party’s home affairs spokesperson, pointed out that “brutal cuts” from the previous government have made many victims feel unsafe. It’s tough out there for those who’ve had their cars stolen.
Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, and MP Lisa Smart are both on the same page about this. They’re saying that countless victims across England and Wales are left without the justice they deserve. It’s staggering how many car thefts just slip through the cracks.
Smart emphasized that this situation can’t keep going. Every crime victim should feel safe and supported by the police. But with the cuts to community officers, that’s just not happening.
They’re calling on the new Government to step up, get serious about crime, and invest in local policing to keep communities safe. Between April and June 2024, a whopping 24,837 car thefts went unsolved.
The Metropolitan Police had the worst record, with 90% of car theft reports going unsolved. South Yorkshire wasn’t far behind, with 85% unsolved. Other areas like Essex, Wiltshire, Sussex, and Hertfordshire also reported that at least 80% of car thefts were unresolved during that quarter.
