WEST Mercia Police has recorded more than 1,800 home burglaries in the last year alone, with just 5 per cent resulting in a charge, a new investigation has revealed.
Data obtained by Legal Expert via Freedom of Information Requests has found that 7,875 residential break-ins have been recorded by West Mercia Police in the last three years.
Of the 1,812 home invasions logged last year, just 99 (5 per cent) resulted in a person being charged.
While there will be cases still be under investigation, Legal Expert’s CICA (Criminal Injury Compensation Authority) specialist, Ellie Lamey said charge rates are ‘shockingly low.’
“Being the victim of a burglary can be extremely invasive and traumatic not to mention those instances of aggravated burglary where weapons are involved.”
“Moreover the shockingly low charge rate gives victims the impression that there is no support or justice following what can be in some cases, a life-altering event,” Ellie added.
West Mercia Police also revealed the region’s home burglary hotspots in 2024. North Worcestershire was revealed as the most targeted area for home invasions with 552 offences recorded last year.
A total of 440 residential break-ins were also logged in South Worcestershire and a further 351 in Shropshire.
Out of the 32 UK police forces (73%) that responded to Legal Expert’s Freedom of Information request within the deadline, West Mercia reported the ninth-highest number of home burglaries over the last three years.
In 2024, there were 177,687 home burglaries reported across England and Wales. That’s an average of 487 burglaries a day.
Ms Lamey said: “Throughout my legal career, I have worked with victims and families of burglaries and the impact can be long-lasting.
“Thankfully, I’ve been able to bring even a small comfort by securing them the compensation they deserve to help to start to rebuild their lives.”
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