Fewer than one in 20 burglaries in West Mercia result in a charge

Worcester Liberal Democrats have called for urgent action as almost two-thirds of burglary cases close without a suspect being identified
3,813 burglaries were recorded across West Mercia in 2025

• Just 4.7% resulted in a charge or summons
• In 2,483 cases – 65.1% of the total – police closed the investigation without identifying a suspect
• Cllr Sarah Murray has called for a guaranteed proper investigation of every burglary and stronger neighbourhood policing

Fewer than one in twenty burglaries recorded across West Mercia resulted in someone being charged or summonsed last year, new figures have revealed.
Home Office crime figures for 2025, analysed by the Liberal Democrats, show that 3,813 burglaries were recorded across the West Mercia Police area, but just 4.7% resulted in a charge or summons.

In 2,483 cases – almost two-thirds of all burglaries recorded – the investigation was closed without police identifying a suspect.
Across England and Wales, 223,194 burglaries were recorded during 2025. Just 13,936 – 6.24% – resulted in a charge, while in 160,396 cases, or 71.86%, no suspect was identified.

Worcester Liberal Democrats say the figures demonstrate the need for stronger neighbourhood policing and a guarantee that burglaries are properly investigated.
The party is calling for a statutory Burglary Response Guarantee, backed by the resources police forces need to investigate offences, gather evidence and pursue those responsible.

The figures come amid concern over changes to neighbourhood policing in West Mercia, including changes to PCSO working patterns which mean PCSOs now finish duty by 8 pm. 

Councillor Sarah Murray, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Police and Crime in West Mercia, said:

“Burglary can have a lasting effect on victims, leaving people feeling unsafe in their own homes and businesses. These figures will understandably concern communities across West Mercia.

“Residents deserve an effective, properly resourced policing response, clear communication about what has happened in their case and appropriate support following a burglary. Preventing crime, improving public confidence and ensuring victims feel heard must remain central priorities.”