Revealed: West Midlands has most unsolved vehicle crimes in the country

No action was taken in 93 per cent of vehicle crime cases during 2019, most of the time because of a lack of evidence.

West Midlands Police had the highest amount of unsolved vehicle crimes in the country.

This was followed by Cambridgeshire Police on 89 per cent and Merseyside and South Yorkshire Police, both on 88 per cent.

There were a total of 27,265 crimes in the region last year - 74 every day on average. Offenders were not found in 25,425 cases.

In another 729 cases a suspect was identified but could not be prosecuted, according to police. Only 11 criminals went to prison.

Unsurprisingly the West Midlands saw the second highest number of car crimes, including thefts and break-ins, behind London.

But the police force was not able to keep pace with the sheer volume of reports, with no action taken in the vast majority of cases.

Frustrated

Walsall Council leader Mike Bird said drivers would be frustrated to learn those committing crimes are unlikely to be caught.

He said: "Keyless entry makes it easier for cars to be accessed and the biggest problem is VIN numbers no longer being put on vehicles by the manufacturers. It leaves an open door.

"After people's homes their car is the next most expensive thing and where possible people have got to be encouraged to use garages. If the car fits in they should put it in.

"It is becoming endemic proportions in parts of the borough and the issue has got to be faced by the car manufacturers."

The figures were released by Click4reg.co.uk following analysis of the website data.police.uk.

Supt Anthony Tagg, who oversees the force's response to vehicle crime, said: "Vehicle crime can cover a wide range of offences, from theft of number plates right up to carjackings.

“In cases where number plates are stolen and there are no witnesses, CCTV or other evidence, the rate of detection is very low. But in the West Midlands, we have seen considerable success in targeting more organised vehicle crime.

“We have recently dismantled our 100th chop shop. It was part of a concerted effort to disrupt organised crime groups who drive the demand for stolen cars and parts. That work continues.

“We've also worked hard to target thieves who use violence to steal cars, while we also work closely with the motor industry to advise them on how they can increase vehicle security.

“We work closely with the other police forces and the Home Office to make life harder for those who target vehicles.

“We'd also encourage vehicle owners to take simple steps to reduce the risk of them falling victim to this type of crime.”