Criminals 'let off the hook' as 30,000 muggings went unsolved last year

28 May 2023 , 23:01

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More than half of robberies reported last year went unsolved (Image: PA)

A staggering 30,000 muggings went unsolved last year as violent criminals were “let off the hook”, research reveals.

Every day last year more than 80 cases of robbery of personal items were closed without a suspect being identified, an analysis by the Lib Dems shows.

It means more than half - 54% - of robberies reported last year went unsolved.

Only 8% of robberies of personal property reported last year - or fewer than one in twelve - led to a suspect being charged.

The figures refer to offences of robbery of personal property which involve violence or threats to the victim, commonly known as muggings.

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The West Midlands Police was the worst performing force, with just 4% of robberies reported in 2022 leading to a suspect being charged.

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This was followed by Northamptonshire (5%), Avon and Somerset (6%) and Hampshire (6%).

The party is calling for a return to community policing, where officers are visible and trusted, and have the time to focus on preventing local crime.

Since 2015, the Conservatives have also taken more than 4,000 Police Community Support Officers off the streets.

Lib Dem Treasury spokeswoman Sarah Olney MP said: "These shocking figures show muggings are being effectively decriminalised, with far too many violent criminals let off the hook.

“People are being left feeling unsafe walking down their own local streets, because this Conservative government has slashed neighbourhood policing to the bone.

“Crime victims are being abandoned while the Home Secretary Suella Braverman is embroiled in endless scandals.

“We need to see a return to proper community policing, making our streets safer and ending this free-for-all for criminals.”

A Home Office spokesman said: “Robbery is an invasive and unsettling crime for victims and we expect police to take all incidents seriously.

“We are supporting police by providing funding for crime prevention measures, including better street lighting and CCTV, and equipping police with better technology to help their investigations and catch more criminals.”

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Sophie Huskisson