No action taken to stop epidemic of bike thefts in Sussex

New analysis commissioned by the Liberal Democrats has revealed that in 2022, more than 1800 bike theft cases in Sussex were closed without a suspect being identified - a shocking 95% of total reported cases.

Meanwhile, only 8 bike thefts reported in Sussex last year resulted in a suspect being charged or summonsed – just 0.4% of the total of more than 1900 cases recorded.

Sussex Liberal Democrats warned these figures showed the Government was effectively ‘decriminalising’ bike theft, letting criminals off the hook for the robbery of thousands of pounds worth of property.

The party has accused the Conservative Government of neglecting neighbourhood policing. Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) numbers have also plummeted under the Conservative Party’s watch, with over 4,000 PCSOs being taken off the streets since 2015.

Liberal Democrats are calling for a return to proper community policing, where officers are visible and trusted, with the time to focus on tackling local crime. 

Commenting on the figures, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Horsham, John Milne said: 

“Bicycle theft is something that tends to hit people personally. And it certainly hits them in their pockets, given the price of a new bike. At a time when we’re trying to encourage people away from cars and onto their bikes, this is the opposite of what we need.

“These figures show the Government is effectively decriminalising bike theft in our local communities - and ministers in Westminster seem content to let it continue.

“We need to see a return to proper community policing, making our streets safer and ending this free-for-all for criminals.” 

Bike theft statistics from the House of Commons Library can be seen here.