Devon: Only 6% of burglaries resulted in a charge or summons

New figures show that the vast majority of burglaries which take place in Devon and Cornwall do not result in a conviction or a court summons. 

Of 1,242 burglaries in the first nine months of 2022, only 6% resulted in a charge or a summons. 265 investigations were closed without any suspect being identified - meaning 21%, or just over a fifth, were unsolved. 

It comes as Honiton Police Station is due to reopened, after several years of closure. The move has been welcomed by MPs from all parties. 

The Liberal Democrats have also released figures which show that nationally almost four in ten burglaries did not receive a visit to the scene from a police officer. This figure is based on 19 police forces in England but Devon and Cornwall did not provide their own data. 

Richard Foord, the MP for Tiverton and Honiton, is calling for the government to provide a guarantee that all domestic burglaries are attended by a police officer and properly investigated. 

He said: "Elderly people in my part of Devon tell me that they feel unsafe in their own homes because the Conservatives have cut police funding and left our police service overstretched and under-resourced.  

"Far too many victims are being denied justice and far too many criminals are getting away with it. The Liberal Democrats would ensure that if people are burgled, they'll know the police will attend the scene and investigate properly.  

"More people across the West Country are turning to the Liberal Democrats because they know we work hard for our communities, listen to your concerns, and will always stand up to make your voice heard."