More than 3,000 thefts of vehicles in Somerset last year

The data highlights both the scale of car theft across the region and the difficulties investigators face in bringing suspects to justice.

Data from the Home Office, analysed by the Liberal Democrats, shows that 3,167 vehicles were reported stolen in the force area last year.

Of those cases, around 2.4 per cent resulted in a charge, with a significant number remaining unsolved.

The Liberal Democrats say the data highlights broader issues around policing resources and have called for changes to help tackle vehicle crime.

Party representatives in Somerset have called for restoring neighbourhood policing and creating a specialist national unit to focus on organised car theft networks, drawing on data from automatic number plate recognition systems, insurers, and border agencies.

Somerset MP: "The Government is asleep at the wheel"

Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, Rachel Gilmour, said: "Across West Somerset, people rely on their cars to get to work, take their kids to school and get themselves to the doctors and essential services.

"It is an absolute scandal that 3,167 victims of crime are having their vehicles snatched from them, while the criminals get away scot-free.

"How on earth can we expect to deter would-be thieves from nicking people's cars when so few criminals are ever actually charged, in Avon and Somerset, or anywhere else?

"The Government is asleep at the wheel, and people in my constituency are paying the price. We urgently need to restore community policing to tackle car theft.

"For too long, forces have been left overstretched and underfunded, meaning they simply do not have the resources to respond."

Somerset police say their charge rate is in line with national averages

Avon and Somerset Police say the charge rate reflects wider national trends and point to the practical challenges involved in investigating vehicle theft.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We recognise motor vehicle thefts can have a significant impact on victims, particularly those reliant on their car for work or their daily life.

"In 2025, dozens of car thieves were charged following police investigations for offences in Avon and Somerset. The charge rate is the same as the national average, and we will always strive to improve that figure.

"Unfortunately, there are many times where there is insufficient evidence to enable a suspect to be identified or charged, for example, no CCTV capturing the offence or checks of automatic number plate recognition cameras proving negative to track the stolen car."

Police and Crime Commissioner says frustration is "understandable"

Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody said: "The frustration these figures cause for victims of vehicle crime is complete understandable. Having your car stolen can have a significant impact on your daily life, and people rightly expect offenders to be brought to justice.

"I will be raising these figures with the Chief Constable to seek assurance about the work being undertaken to tackle vehicle crime, support victims and improve outcomes for residents.

"Strengthening neighbourhood policing is one of my Police and Crime Plan priorities.  Through the Government's Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee we have increased the number of neighbourhood policing officers in Avon and Somerset, ensuring officers are more visible and accessible in the communities they serve."

Police lay out steps motorists can take to deter thieves

Avon and Somerset Police said: "We would encourage all victims report these crimes, because doing so allows us to build up a full picture of what is happening so we can plan uniformed patrols in most affected areas, which can help prevent crimes in the future.

"There are steps motorists can take to help deter thieves, which we would encourage they follow.

"For example, do not store valuable items in your vehicle overnight, park the vehicle in a secure garage where possible, and invest in GPS and alarms. More crime prevention advice can be found via our website.

They added: "Owners of keyless-entry vehicles can take some simple steps to reduce the risk of theft. We would encourage motorists to keep vehicle keys away from doors and windows, store spare keys securely, and consider using a faraday pouch or signal-blocking box to prevent criminals intercepting keyless-entry signals.

"Steering wheel locks and other visible security devices can also act as an effective deterrent.

"Crime reports should be made via 999 if the incident is in progress. If not, call 101 or report the crime online."