AROUND 200 bike thefts are going unsolved every day, shocking stats show.
The criminals were not caught in 365,709 cases over the last five years, accounting for 89 per cent.
And just two per cent of bike thefts resulted in a suspect being charged.
The Lib Dems, who compiled the analysis based on official figures, said the crime had been “effectively decriminalised”.
Home Affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael said: “These shocking figures will leave people wondering if bike theft has been decriminalised.
“Whether it’s used for commuting, family days out or exercise, people’s bikes are a hugely valued possession.
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“So bike thefts leave victims feeling both out of pocket and distressed, and knowing the thief will probably get away with it just adds salt into the wound.”
Hitting back, Policing Minister Chris Philp said: “The Liberal Democrats could never be trusted to cut crime or keep communities safe.
“They want to strip our police officers of vital powers and voted against tougher sentences for the worst offenders.
“The Conservatives have cut the number of theft offences by 47 per cent since 2010 including bicycle theft by 54 per cent, reduced violent crime by 52 per cent, and put a record number of police officers on our streets to keep our communities safe.”
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Jack Elsom
