Action needed to address unsolved car thefts

Following the shocking research from the Liberal Democrats, it has emerged that 24.837 car thefts (or 4 out of every 5)  went unsolved in the 3 months ending June 2024. The Lib Dems have called on the Government to get tough on crime.

Lisa Smart, the Lib Dem Home Affairs spokeswoman, said:

“Tens of thousands of victims across England and Wales are being left without the justice they deserve, with a staggeringly high number of car thefts going unsolved, and thieves getting away scot free.”

“This cannot continue. Every victim of a crime deserves to feel safe and protected by the police, but unfortunately after brutal cuts to community police officers that is far from the truth. We urge the new government to change the course by getting tough on crime, investing properly in local neighbourhood policing and keeping communities safe.”


In December 2024, it was reported by SurreyLive that Elmbridge saw more vehicle thefts than anywhere else in Surrey with 771 crime reports in the last 3 years (equal to 0.3% of cars, vans and motorbikes or one theft for every 345 vehicles).

If you have been affected by car theft we would like to hear your story, email us at hello@elmbridgelibdems.org.uk