Car Theft Decriminalized in London: How Effective Are Police in Your Area?

## Car Theft 'Decriminalised' in London: How Do Police Fare in Your Area? *Source: [MailOnline](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14246471/car-theft-decriminalised-London-Met-police-crime.html)* ### Overview Car theft in London has reached alarming levels, with statistics from the Liberal Democrats indicating that **over 90%** of cases go unsolved. This situation has led to claims that car theft is effectively becoming 'decriminalised' in the city. ### Key Findings - **Dismal Conviction Rates**: Only **0.9%** of investigations led to a charge against the perpetrator, the lowest across regional police forces in England. - **Surge in Unresolved Cases**: Between April and June 2024, **90.24%** of car theft investigations were closed without identifying a suspect, an increase from previous quarters. - **Liberal Democrat Response**: MP Lisa Smart described the statistics as "staggering" and called for more support to ensure every victim feels safe and protected by local police. ### Broader National Context - Across England and Wales, an alarming **25,000** car thefts went unsolved in just three months, with an average of **78.5%** of car thefts remaining unresolved. - Other regions, including South Yorkshire and parts of Essex, reported similarly high rates of unsolved cases. ### Metropolitan Police's Commitment The Metropolitan Police has acknowledged the impact of motor vehicle crime and emphasized their focus on tackling these issues through various initiatives: - Proactive policing collaborations - Crime prevention programs - Partnerships with car manufacturers to enhance security measures ### Recommendations for Vehicle Owners Motorists are encouraged to take preventive measures to protect their cars, including: - Installing visible deterrents like steering locks - Using signal blocking pouches for electronic keys - Avoiding leaving valuables in sight This ongoing crisis in London highlights not only the challenges faced by local law enforcement but also the urgent need for improved community policing strategies to restore public trust and safety.