Less than 3% of Surrey car thefts lead to charges amid calls for more support for police
In 2025, there were 1,551 vehicle thefts recorded in the county, but only 34 resulted in a suspect being charged or summonsed.
Less than 3% of car thefts in Surrey lead to criminal charges, according to recent figures from Surrey Police.
In 2025, there were 1,551 vehicle thefts recorded in the county, but only 34 resulted in a suspect being charged or summonsed.
In three-quarters of these cases, no suspects were identified.
Helen Maguire, MP for Epsom and Ewell, criticised the Government's response, saying it demonstrates they have been “asleep at the wheel.”
Maguire believes a return to neighbourhood policing is essential to tackle the issue effectively.
"Our cars are essential for working, taking children to school, and other daily activities,” Maguire said.
“It is completely unacceptable that 1,551 individuals and families in our county have had their vehicles stolen, with so few of those responsible ever brought to justice.”
She emphasised the need to deter potential thieves by ensuring that more criminals are charged.
The Home Office has announced that they are undertaking the biggest reform in two centuries to enhance community-based policing.
This is set to include the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which aims to introduce new powers to tackle vehicle theft, including penalties for possession of signal jammers.
The Act will ban such electronic devices, which manipulate remote locking signals from cars.
A spokesperson for Surrey Police stated that vehicle theft is a serious issue and pledged continued efforts to tackle the problem through intelligence-led operations.
They said the county's road networks are exploited by organised crime groups running sophisticated operations, which complicates the identification of suspects and securing evidence for prosecution.
As preventive measures, Surrey Police recommend using Faraday pouches for car keys and steering wheel locks.
The Government has also promised an additional 13,000 neighbourhood police officers, aiming to deliver more responsive policing in communities across the UK.