Eight out of 10 burglaries reported to Kent Police ended up with no suspects identified or charges brought, according to figures released today.

According to a survey, of 6,742 burglaries reported in a year, 5,523 were completed without any action - the equivalent of 82%.

Forces categorise offences where no action is taken as “investigation complete – no suspect identified”.

It is used when a reported crime has been investigated “as far as reasonably possible” and the case is closed pending further investigative opportunities.

When it came to reports of car theft, 2,998 offences were made but 2,176 investigations were completed without any charges brought - 73%.

There was slightly better detection rates when it came to shoplifting with 12,178 incidents reported but 5,887 ending with no action, just under half - 48%.

Altogether in Kent, the three types of offences that were reported but led to being categorised as “investigation complete – no suspect identified” totalled 13,586.

"News like this could undermine confidence in the criminal justice system and prevent people reporting in the future..." - Alex Mayes, Victim Support

Police chiefs say increasing demand and fewer officers mean they have to prioritise cases where there is a realistic chance of prosecution.

However, some MPs and victim support groups have said the figures might give criminals more encouragement.

The figures were produced in an analysis by the Press Association of crime data in England and Wales from April 2017 to March 2018.

Its findings suggested recorded shoplifting and vehicle theft levels are at their highest in years.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for acquisitive crime Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: “Police investigate all cases of theft, burglary and shoplifting.

"Particularly for these types of offences, police focus on targeting prolific offenders, organised crime networks, and ensuring prevention measures by homeowners and businesses are in place.”

Labour MP Yvette Cooper, who chairs the Commons Home Affairs committee, said: “Too many investigations are closing without suspects being identified and we are hearing increasing reports of the police being too overstretched to investigate.

“Police forces are under immense pressure with rising serious and violent crime and changing patterns of crime alongside cuts in the numbers of officers and PCSOs.

Alex Mayes, of charity Victim Support, said: “News like this could undermine confidence in the criminal justice system and prevent people reporting in the future.”

"While the outcome of an investigation is very important, Kent Police’s main focus is always the needs of the victim..." - Deputy Chief Constable Tony Blaker, Kent Police

Kent Police Deputy Chief Constable Tony Blaker said: "Kent Police has made improvements to its crime recording practices which has had an impact on the number of crimes being recorded, and this is in line with the national average for other forces. Officers strictly follow national standards when recording and investigating crime.

"Many single incidents recorded previously as single crimes could now be recorded as multiple crimes. For example, previously if four people were found fighting outside a nightclub and it was not clear who was in the right or wrong, one report of affray would have been recorded whereas now four counter allegations of assault and one of affray could be recorded.

"There are a total of 21 different outcomes for recorded crime and these can vary from a charge or caution, to community resolution and in some instances establishing no crime has taken place.

"The prospect of obtaining a charge is based on the evidence available to officers and support from the victim in progressing the investigation. Any outcomes involving community resolutions are made with the full support of the victim and where the offender admits responsibility for their actions.

"While the outcome of an investigation is very important, Kent Police’s main focus is always the needs of the victim. When a victim contacts Kent Police to report a crime a number of processes begin and these can include offering advice and support, putting in place safeguarding measures as well as commencing an investigation.

"Kent Police is always looking for ways to improve its charge rates and bring offenders to justice but its focus is always on putting victims first and making sure they are safeguarded and given the support they need."