A TINY fraction of local burglaries end with anyone taken to court, new figures reveal.

Just four cases in a 100 in West Mercia see anyone charged or summonsed.

More than three in every four cases are closed without police identifying a suspect.

Home Office figures show that of the 4,459 residential burglaries reported to West Mercia Police in 2018-19, 77% were closed with the outcome listed as "investigation complete – no suspect identified".

In 5% of cases, a suspect was identified and the victim supported an investigation but "evidential difficulties prevented further action", while a further 12% of cases were closed because the victim declined or was unable to support any further investigation.

Raids of garages, sheds and outbuildings are included in the figures, as well as home burglaries. Distraction burglaries, which are recorded as a separate offence, are not included.

The 4% rate is in line with the previous year.

The Police Federation says urgent funding is needed to reverse a situation which is "soul-destroying" for officers, as well as concerning for residents.

Federation Chairman John Apter said: “Having your home burgled can be one of the most devastating and impactful crimes people experience; and its effects can last a lifetime.

“What the service so desperately needs is a long-term funding deal to enable all forces to return to a position where they are properly resourced to meet the demands they face."

Nationally, a suspect was charged in 7.8% of all recorded crimes last year, down from 9.1%.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "The Government is keeping our communities safe by recruiting 20,000 extra police officers and launching the Safer Streets Fund to tackle crimes like burglary and theft.

"We recognise the impact that crime can have on its victims and we want offenders charged and brought to justice in the courts.

"Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners are responsible for setting priorities, which reflect the concerns of the people they serve, but we expect them to take all forms of crime seriously."