Motorists across England and Wales are being failed by a system that leaves the vast majority of car thefts unsolved, with new data prompting urgent calls for a government crackdown.
Shocking Scale of Unsolved Vehicle Crime
Official statistics for the 2024-2025 financial year paint a bleak picture for victims of car crime. Over three-quarters of all car theft investigations in England and Wales were closed without a suspect being identified. In total, a staggering 92,958 cases were shelved, leaving owners without justice.
The situation was most severe in the capital. The Metropolitan Police solved just 12 per cent of car crime incidents, meaning 88.5 per cent of cases in London ended with no suspect. The data shows this is a nationwide issue, with 35 out of 44 police forces failing to identify a suspect in more than 60 per cent of their car theft investigations.
Political Pressure for a Specialist Response
The Liberal Democrats have seized on the figures, demanding that the Labour Government take immediate and decisive action. The party's home affairs spokesperson, Max Wilkinson MP, declared "enough is enough" and accused the previous Conservative administration of betraying communities with police cuts.
"Time and time again, victims of crime are left without the support they need. It's a disgrace and communities deserve so much better," said Mr Wilkinson, who was elected as the MP for Cheltenham in 2024. He warned the current government must not "turn a blind eye to this epidemic."
The Liberal Democrats are advocating for a dedicated unit within the National Crime Agency (NCA) to specifically target organised car crime networks. This proposed team would leverage data from ANPR cameras and other intelligence sources to disrupt criminal operations.
Government and Police Response
In response to the crisis, a Home Office spokesman acknowledged the devastating impact of vehicle theft on individuals and businesses. "For too long, not enough has been done to prevent these crimes or to bring those responsible to justice," the spokesman stated.
The Home Office pointed to a 12 per cent reduction in overall vehicle crime and highlighted new government measures, including:
- New legislation to outlaw electronic devices used to bypass vehicle security systems.
- Specialist training for police officers on the methods used by thieves.
- Working directly with the automotive industry to address security vulnerabilities in vehicles.
Despite these steps, Mr Wilkinson and the Liberal Democrats insist more must be done, emphasising that organised gangs have been getting away with their crimes for "far too long" and that a national crackdown is finally required.
