Recent data from the House of Commons library has exposed that a staggering 76% of car thefts in the past year went unresolved. The Metropolitan police force had the worst performance, with 88% of incidents left unsolved.
Various police forces, including the British Transport Police and South Yorkshire, reported over 80% of car theft cases remaining unsolved. Across England and Wales, 35 out of 44 police forces had a collective unsolved rate of 60% for all cases.
Vehicle crime saw a 12% decrease in the year leading up to June 2025, with a 7% drop in vehicle theft. Additionally, new legislation is set to outlaw electronic devices that can bypass a car’s security, with offenders facing up to five years imprisonment for their use.
The Liberal Democrats are advocating for the establishment of a specialized team at the National Crime Agency to combat organized car crime networks. This team would leverage data from automatic number plate recognition cameras, insurance records, and intelligence from various law enforcement agencies.
Max Wilkinson MP, the Lib Dem home affairs spokesman, emphasized the need for better support for crime victims, criticizing past government cuts to police forces. The Labour Government was urged not to ignore the ongoing issue.
A Home Office spokesperson highlighted the significant impact of vehicle theft on individuals, families, businesses, and the industry. The government and law enforcement are actively implementing measures to tackle these crimes, including banning electronic theft devices and enhancing police training on vehicle theft methods.