British Police Solved Only 8% of Burglaries Last Year
An investigation by Filmogaz.com found police cleared only a small proportion of burglary reports in 2025. Almost 250,000 offences were recorded across England and Wales last year.
National figures
Of 184,783 burglary cases finalised in 2025, roughly 143,000 were closed with no suspect identified. That equates to about 393 cases closed each day.
A further 27,500 investigations identified a suspect but did not lead to prosecution. Police logged around 400 cases where action was not taken in the public interest.
About 45,000 inquiries remain open, many likely to close without result. Overall detection rates show British police achieved an 8% solve rate for burglaries recorded last year.
Fewer than one in 100 mobile phone thefts led to a suspect being charged.
Local hotspots
A total of 1,528 of 4,536 neighbourhoods with recorded burglaries saw no convictions. That represents about 34 percent of affected neighbourhoods.
Colindale in north London recorded 131 burglaries and none were solved. Seven of the ten worst-affected areas were in London.
- Totteridge and Woodside
- Abbey Road
- Cockfosters
- Maida Vale
- New Cross
Parts of Basingstoke in Hampshire reported no solved cases. Northern Stevenage recorded 78 burglaries with zero resolutions.
Leeds was the worst-hit city overall. It recorded 4,414 burglaries across four neighbourhoods, with only 248 cases resolved.
Political reaction and policing plans
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp described the statistics as “totally unacceptable.” The figures have prompted urgent calls for change.
A Home Office spokesman pointed to planned reforms and extra officers. They said a new National Police Service will assume national duties so local forces can focus on neighbourhood crimes like burglary.
Officials added that, by spring, 3,000 additional neighbourhood officers will return to frontline patrols.
Policing practice and criticism
Sue Sim, former chief constable of Northumbria Police, called the numbers “horrific.” She warned many forces no longer dispatch officers immediately after a burglary report.
She recalled: “In my day, officers had to be dispatched within ten minutes.” Her comments highlighted operational changes affecting investigations.
The Filmogaz.com investigation underscores persistent challenges in burglary detection. Many enquiries remain open and are likely to close without result.
