Restore community policing to end scandal of 8,966 unsolved crimes in Cumbria, says Loraine Birchall

Local Liberal Democrat Police and Crime Commissioner candidate Loraine Birchall is calling for a return to proper community policing, after it was revealed that two in every three burglary cases in Cumbria went unsolved last year.

New analysis by the Liberal Democrats reveals that 8,966 crimes reported to Cumbria police from October 2019 to September 2020 were closed without a suspect being identified - including 1,250 burglaries, 112 car thefts and 24 robberies.

The party's analysis shows that 66% of all burglary cases and 21% of robberies in Cumbria were closed without a suspect being identified.

Loraine said: "Everyone in Cumbria should be able to feel safe in their homes and walking down our streets. But this Conservative Government is leaving our communities vulnerable and letting criminals get away with it.

"Cumbria Police need the officers, resources and time to focus on preventing and solving crimes.

"Liberal Democrats are calling for a return to proper community policing, where officers are visible, trusted and known personally to local people. We will do what works to build communities where people are safe and feel safe too."