Worst areas for unsolved car crimes revealed

"Ministers are facing urgent calls to establish a dedicated police unit to tackle car theft across the nation, as new figures reveal that more than three-quarters of cases went unsolved last year. Analysis by the House of Commons library indicates a staggering 121,825 motor vehicles were reported stolen across England and Wales in the 2024-25 financial year. Of these, a concerning 92,958 investigations were closed without a single suspect being identified, contributing to an average national unsolved rate of 76.3 per cent."

"The Metropolitan Police recorded the highest proportion of unsolved cases, with 88.5 per cent of car thefts in the capital going unaddressed. Other forces struggling significantly include British Transport Police (84.4 per cent), South Yorkshire (82.6 per cent), City of London (81.5 per cent), Sussex (81.1 per cent), and Warwickshire (80.7 per cent). The analysis, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, found that 35 out of 44 forces in England and Wales saw more than 60 per cent of their car theft investigations conclude without an identified suspect."

"Time and time again victims of crime are left without the support they need, it's a disgrace and communities deserve so much better. The previous Conservative government betrayed our communities with years of self-defeating cuts to our police forces and now the current Labour Government must not turn a blind eye to this epidemic. Enough is enough. That is why the Liberal Democrats are calling for a car theft crack"

121,825 motor vehicles were reported stolen across England and Wales in the 2024-25 financial year. 92,958 investigations were closed without a suspect identified, producing an average national unsolved rate of 76.3 per cent. The Metropolitan Police recorded 88.5 per cent of car thefts unsolved, with several other forces above 80 per cent. 35 out of 44 forces saw more than 60 per cent of car theft investigations conclude without an identified suspect. The Liberal Democrats are calling for a specialist team within the National Crime Agency to target organised car crime networks. The proposed unit would use ANPR data, insurance records, police intelligence, and border control information. Political criticism blamed previous Conservative cuts and urged the Labour Government to act.

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