Summary
There are calls for urgent action to help police crack down on burglaries as the latest figures show more than 2,000 cases in Gloucestershire did not result in a charge last year. There were 223,194 burglaries reported in England and Wales last year with 13,936 resulting in someone being charged.
Details
In Gloucestershire, those figures are even worse with a 3.7 per cent charge/summons rate, and 69 per cent of cases where the police fail to identify a suspect, according to Home Office data analysed by the Liberal Democrats. They say the data shows that 96.3 per cent of the 2,182 burglary cases reported in Gloucestershire last year resulted in the criminal getting away scot-free.
County councillor Paul Hodgkinson (LD, Bourton-on-the-Water and Northleach) is demanding an urgent restoration of neighbourhood police funding. He has blasted the Government’s handling of the situation as “asleep at the wheel” and has called out Prime Minister Andy Burnham, saying he has failed to commit to tackling crime since taking office.
He is also calling on ministers to “get a grip on crime” and bring forward emergency legislation to ensure that all domestic burglaries are attended by the police and properly investigated. Currently, the vast majority of burglars are getting away with the crimes they are committing, he said.
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However, the Government says they are delivering the biggest reform to policing in centuries to allow forces to better protect their communities and tackle crimes such as burglaries. They have also said police funding is at a historic high of £18.5 billion this year. Gloucestershire Police has pledged to improve the charge rate and continue to do all they can to bring those responsible to justice.
It has also urged residents to consider increased security as a preventative measure, as darker nights approach this autumn. Cllr Hodgkinson said it is unacceptable that families and businesses are being left at risk as the vast majority of burglaries go unsolved. “I know that people are very worried when they see burglaries in their area,” he said.
“The Government has been asleep at the wheel, a persistent lack of support for community policing has left our streets vulnerable. “In 96 per cent of burglary cases, the victims never see someone charged – that has to change. Gloucestershire’s police [force] works tirelessly but they require the proper resources and mandate from central government to ensure every single case is rigorously investigated.
“That’s why I’m demanding urgent action from the Prime Minister, to restore neighbourhood policing and back our calls for an investigation guarantee for all burglaries in our county.” Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire Chris Nelson said he recognises the long-term impact burglaries have on victims.
Report source: Gloucestershire Live
