Police should 'follow all leads' when investigating thefts

Home secretary Suella Braverman has added her voice to the growing calls for police to investigate every theft and follow all reasonable leads to catch offenders.

According to Home Office figures, 73.7 per cent of theft cases which were closed in the year to March 2023 had no suspect identified by the police - the highest rate for any category of crime in England and Wales.

In West Mercia, theft offences have increased by 15 per cent from April 2023. The number of offenders charged also went up from 9 per cent to 12 per cent.

Commissioner John Campion said: “I am committed to ensuring all victims of crime get the high-quality service they expect and deserve from West Mercia Police, as set out in my Safer West Mercia Plan.

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“I am clear that all reasonable lines of inquiry should be taken by West Mercia Police when a crime is reported as well as making sure victims receive the support they need to fully cope and recover.

“The latest announcement by the Home Secretary backs my pledge to ensure the public are feeling the benefits of record levels of police officers in West Mercia.

“As Commissioner, I will continue to support and challenge the Chief Constable on your policing priorities while making sure officers have the resources and tools they need to drive down crime and bring offenders to justice.”

The College of Policing published guidance for officers in England and Wales to consider all potential evidence – including footage from CCTV, doorbells and dashcams, as well as phone tracking – if it could lead to a suspect or stolen property.

It said this will make the service more consistent across regions and solve more crimes.

While the pledge applies to all crimes, Ms Braverman has implored officers to act on leads for phone or car theft, shoplifting and criminal damage.

She said that no crime is “minor” as she hailed the announcement as a “landmark”.