London, England – A recent study has found that nearly 90% of reported crimes in England and Wales remain unsolved, raising concerns about public safety and the impact of government budget cuts on law enforcement. The analysis, conducted by the Labour party, revealed that 4.7 million cases have gone unsolved, with nearly half of them due to police failing to find a suspect.
The findings have sparked public safety fears, as it was also warned that forces in England and Wales could face a combined budget shortfall of almost £721m by 2026. This has led to a breakdown in law and order, with shopworkers facing increased abuse at work.
Experts are pointing to austerity policies as the underlying reason for the rise in unsolved crimes, attributing it to a massive increase in inequality during the cost-of-living crisis. The study found that the unsolved crimes included violent crimes, thefts, criminal damage, arson, and public order offences.
Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper criticized the Conservative government’s handling of law and order, stating that millions of victims of crime have been failed by a destroyed criminal justice system. She called for a serious plan to catch more criminals, urging for a focus on addressing the root causes of the rise in crime.
According to the analysis of Home Office figures, there has been a 32% year-on-year rise in cases closed without a suspect being identified, reaching a five-year high. Furthermore, the number of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) has significantly decreased over the years, potentially contributing to the inability to solve these crimes.
The study’s findings and the ongoing budget concerns have highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the increase in unsolved crimes in England and Wales, emphasizing the importance of adequate funding and resources for law enforcement agencies. The impact of these unsolved crimes on communities and public safety cannot be understated, and it is essential for the government to prioritize addressing these issues. In the 12 months leading up to the study, 4,772,503 crimes were reported and remained unsolved, urging for immediate action to address the root causes and provide necessary support to law enforcement.