MP calls for more police funding as 896 cars stolen, but only 4% of thieves charged

MP calls for more police funding as 896 cars stolen, but only 4% of thieves charged

• Dorset recorded a whopping 896 vehicle thefts in 2025
• Just 4.46% of cases resulted in the suspect being charged, whilst in 73.55% police failed to even identify a suspect.
• Vikki Slade MP has blasted the Government for being ‘asleep at the wheel’ and has called for more funding for Dorset Police

New figures from the Home Office have revealed just 4% of car thefts recorded by Dorset Police resulted in a charge, with 896 vehicles being reported as stolen last year.

Across Dorset there has been a shocking spate of car thefts, which are going unsolved in 73% of cases. The new data also reveals police are struggling to clamp down on the issue, with just 4.46% of cases resulting in a charge. 

Dorset remains the second worst-funded police force in England, ranking 42nd out of 43 nationally.

Vikki Slade, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole said:

"Across Dorset, people rely on their cars every day to get to work, take their children to school and access vital services. It is an absolute scandal that 896 vehicles were stolen last year while so many of the criminals responsible escaped justice.

“The Government is asleep at the wheel and drivers are paying the price. Being the second worst-funded police force in the country is simply not sustainable and local officers are being asked to do more with less and less. I will continue pushing for more funding that gives our police the resources they need to keep our communities safe.

"I have already raised concerns about the rise in bike thefts, antisocial behaviour and shoplifting across our communities. Vehicle theft is another example of the sort of crime that impacts ordinary people who are just about managing and undermines confidence in our communities.

The Liberal Democrats have called for the formation of a specialist team based at the National Crime Agency. It would pool data from automatic number plate recognition cameras, insurance records and intelligence from police forces and border control to target organised car crime networks.