Police ignored over half of all vandalism cases in England and Wales last year, damning figures reveal

POLICE ignored more than half of all vandalism cases in England and Wales last year, figures show.

They did not bother to attend 129,302 reports of property destruction and other criminal damage in 2023.

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The figure accounted for 53 per cent of all such cases.

Of 27 police forces, Greater Manchester was the worst performing, with officers failing to follow up in 81 per cent of cases. Avon & Somerset were nearly as bad, with a 79 per cent rate.

The Lib Dems — who compiled the data — called for a return to community policing.

Their Home Affairs spokesman, Alistair Carmichael, said: “Across the country thousands of people are seeing their homes and vehicles damaged by vandalism, only for those responsible to get away with it.

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“To think an officer isn’t even showing up at the scene in most of these cases is outrageous.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Since 2010 our communities are safer, with a 74 per cent fall in criminal damage.

“We also have more police officers protecting the public as we delivered on our promise to recruit 20,000 additional police officers.”