Suspects less likely to face charges than three years ago

Data shows that fewer suspects were charged or summonsed to attend court by West Midlands Police in 2018-19.

It comes despite the force seeing a 47 per cent increase in crime over the past four years.

Figures also reveal criminal suspects are 50 per cent less likely to be charged in Staffordshire, with crimes rising by 40 per cent in four years.

Andy Cooke, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for crime, said too few offences are being brought to court for justice to be done.

Growing crime

He added: “This is a symptom of the strain on policing as we try to manage growing crime and demand that is ever more complex.

"We continue to work across policing and with the Home Office in advance of the upcoming government spending review.”

Home Office data shows suspects were charged or summonsed to attend court for just eight per cent of crimes recorded by West Midlands Police in 2018-19.

This is much lower than the charge rate in 2014-15, when 17 per cent of crimes resulted in someone being brought to court.

Meanwhile, the force recorded 259,661 offences in 2018-19 – a rise of 47 per cent in four years.

In Staffordshire, figures revealed a suspect was charged or summonsed for just nine per cent of crimes recorded by Staffordshire Police in 2018-19.

This is also much lower than the charge rate in 2014-15, when 18 per cent of crimes lead to a court appearance.

The force saw a 40 per cent increase in crime in the four years.