More than half of theft cases in Cumbria were closed without police identifying a suspect last year, figures reveal.
They were among over a million unsolved cases of theft across England and Wales, which charity Victim Support said undermines the public’s confidence in the justice system.
Home Office figures show Cumbria Constabulary closed 6,265 theft probes in 2021 – 58 per cent of which had the outcome of investigation complete – no suspect identified.
This was up from 54 per cent in 2020.
A further nine per cent of all theft cases in Cumbria closed with a suspect identified and the victim supporting an investigation but “evidential difficulties prevented further action”, while 16 per cent were closed because the victim dropped the case.
And just nine per cent resulted in a charge or summons – down from 11 per cent the year before.
Across England and Wales, a million theft offences were closed without a suspect being found – 77 per cent of all cases.
In London, this was as high as 87 per cent, while in Norfolk it was 57 per cent.
Victim Support said theft can have serious and long-term impacts on victims – robbing them of both their possessions and their sense of safety.
Jeffrey DeMarco, assistant director at the independent charity, added: “The fact that a million cases went unsolved last year seriously undermines victims’ confidence in the criminal justice system.
“Theft is a crime that must always be taken seriously by the police, and work must be undertaken to improve these shockingly low success rates.”
More than three-quarters of car theft cases and nine in 10 bike thefts were closed without a suspect being identified in 2021.
In Cumbria, 40 per cent of cases of stolen motor vehicles were closed with no suspects identified, but other types of cases identified even fewer criminals.
No suspect was found in 81 per cent of cases of thefts from a vehicle, 74 per cent in incidents of vehicle interference and 69 per cent in non-domestic burglary.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council said forces will prioritise cases where there is a realistic prospect of prosecution, and ensure vulnerable victims have the support they need.
For crimes such as theft, an NPCC spokesman said police focus on targeting prolific offenders, organised crime networks, and ensuring prevention measures are in place.
The Home Office said it was aware of the distress and disruption vehicle, bike and other thefts cause.
A spokeswoman said 20,000 extra police officers are being recruited to protect communities to help prevent these crimes.
