Burglars ‘run riot’ in Surrey as just 2.10% of home burglaries result in a charge  

Burglars 'run riot' in Surrey as just 2.10% of home burglaries result in a charge

Surrey's Liberal Democrats have accused the government of letting criminals "run riot", after damning new revelations that show almost all burglaries go unpunished in Surrey.

Analysis of official data by the Liberal Democrats has found that just 2.10% of the 2,736 domestic burglaries in Surrey resulted in a criminal charge in the year up to March 2022. Across the country the figure was a dismal 3.5%.

In 2017 287 burglaries resulted in a charge or court summons in Surrey, but last year this had fallen to just 87.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for the Government to urgently deliver more visible community policing and for more investment in our justice system, so that local people can finally be protected, and criminals can no longer act with impunity.

In light of the stark figures police forces across England and Wales have now committed to attending every home burglary.

Commenting on the figures, Will Forster, Leader of Surrey Lib Dems said:

"This news is terrifying for people in Surrey. As burglars run riot, local people are made to suffer. We need urgent action.

It is unacceptable that only a tiny amount of home robberies around here are solved and lead to a criminal charge. Local people are being left without justice and are vulnerable to criminals who face no repercussions for their actions.

The sad truth is that under the Conservatives criminals walk free and innocent victims pay the price. People in Surrey are owed an apology by this government for their negligence and failure."