Police fail to find suspect for 65% of residential burglaries

Between April 2017 and March 2018, the investigations into 3,395 residential burglaries were close by police officers for Northumbria Police with no suspect identified.

Across three offence types - including theft or unauthorised taking of motor vehicle, shoplifting and residential burglaries - thousands of probes were shut with no suspect identified, new figures from the Home Office reveal.

The revelations prompted warnings that victims could be put off reporting offences, while criminals are given a “green light to reoffend”.

Police chiefs say increased demand and reduced officer numbers mean they have to prioritise cases where there is a realistic chance of prosecution.

Figures for Northumbria show probes into 61% of theft or unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle offences, 65% of residential burglaries and 39% of shoplifting offences are closed before a suspect is identified.

A Home Office spokesman said: “We expect the police to take all reports of crime seriously, to investigate and to bring the offenders to court so that they can receive appropriate punishment.

“However we recognise that crime is changing and police demand is becoming increasingly complex.

“That is why we have provided a strong and comprehensive £13 billion funding settlement to ensure the police have the resources they need to carry out their vital work.

“The Government remains alert to changes in trends and new methods used by criminals - and we will continue to work with the police, industry and others to consider the evidence and what more can be done to prevent these crimes taking place.”

No comment was available from Northumbria Police