The police have been branded “shameful” after 1,201 cars were stolen in Herts – but only around 2% led to charges.

The thefts between October 2022 and September last year included 148 in Watford, 161 in Hertsmere and 93 in Three Rivers. They resulted in nine charges.

Police pointed to “a number of successes” but said organised gangs act quickly and make catching them with evidence difficult.

One man who had his Mercedes taken in Bushey said: “I’m not sure if the police have the resources to follow up on this type of crime but I basically handed them the evidence on a plate, and they didn’t really use it. Shameful really.”

Watford Observer: A thief holding a cable-like device linked to a backpack and scanning areas of the home in Bushey. (Image: Submitted)A thief holding a cable-like device linked to a backpack and scanning areas of the home in Bushey. (Image: Submitted) (Image: No credit)

Responding online to a separate theft, another victim wrote: “The police don’t do anything, only send you a crime reference number.

“We live in a cul-de-sac and about six houses have CCTV but police couldn’t be bothered to come out and check them. Lost a £50,000 [Toyota] Land Cruiser.”

Two others voiced similar experiences.

The figures, obtained via a Freedom of Information request, come amid warnings of high-end vehicles being targeted across Hertfordshire.

Watford Observer: Brazen thieves checking out a car in Watford before stealing it. Image: Submitted.Brazen thieves checking out a car in Watford before stealing it. Image: Submitted. (Image: Victim, no credit)

St Albans was the worst hit borough with 197 thefts and two charges. Hertsmere was second with 161 and four, followed by Watford with 148 and two. In total there were 1,201 thefts and 26 charges.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Clawson said vehicle crime nationwide had risen and it was one of Herts Police’s main priorities.

He pointed to each borough having their own dedicated plans, as well as awareness campaigns providing prevention advice.

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“We have had a number of successes in arresting and convicting offenders for vehicle thefts,” he added. “However, many of the vehicles stolen are targeted by organised gangs who are adept at accessing and removing vehicles quickly.

“Often these vehicles are moved on from the areas they are stolen from and shipped overseas, which means that if offenders are not caught in the act it can be hard to catch them with evidence to make a conviction.”

He advised motorists to store key fobs in a metal box to prevent criminals picking up the signal from outside to unlock cars. More advice is available on Herts Police’s website.

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