The proportion of crimes solved by police in England and Wales has fallen to its lowest level on record, according to Home Office data. In the year to March, just 7.8% of offences resulted in a charge or summons, down from 9.1% the previous year.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick acknowledged that too many crimes are being left unsolved, attributing the decline partly to the overwhelming volume of phone and computer data officers must sift through. She called for greater investment in resources, technology, and expertise to improve clear-up rates.
The Home Office said improvements in crime recording have increased the volume and complexity of cases, including more sexual offences and domestic abuse, which are harder to resolve. It also noted that in a growing number of cases, victims do not support further action or cannot be contacted.
Separate Office for National Statistics data showed knife crime rose by 8% to 43,516 offences, the highest since comparable records began in 2011. Robbery offences increased by 11% to 85,736, while burglary fell by 3%. The total number of killings rose to 701, excluding terror attacks.
The number of police officers in England and Wales increased slightly to 123,171, but remains 20,500 fewer than in 2010. Policing minister Nick Hurd said the government is increasing funding by over £1bn this year and recruiting more than 3,700 additional officers and staff.
