This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-26725220

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Metropolitan Police 'drops' half of property crime cases Metropolitan Police 'drops' half of property crime cases
(about 7 hours later)
The Metropolitan Police stopped investigating almost half of all reported property crimes last year, a right-leaning think tank has said.The Metropolitan Police stopped investigating almost half of all reported property crimes last year, a right-leaning think tank has said.
The Policy Exchange analysed Scotland Yard's crime figures. Policy Exchange analysed Scotland Yard's crime figures.
It said the Met "dropped" 97,000 investigations into 197,000 reported property crimes, including robbery and burglary, during 2013.It said the Met "dropped" 97,000 investigations into 197,000 reported property crimes, including robbery and burglary, during 2013.
This included about 70% of robberies which were logged by police as "no further action at this time". This included about 70% of robberies that were logged by police as "no further action at this time".
About 2% of cases resulted in criminals being hailed, the Policy Exchange said its research suggested. About 2% of cases resulted in criminals being jailed, Policy Exchange said its research suggested.
'Truly shocking''Truly shocking'
It was based on police figures published on the website data.police.ukIt was based on police figures published on the website data.police.uk
Tottenham Labour MP David Lammy said: "Victims of property crime must be reassured that the police are doing everything possible to catch and convict those responsible.Tottenham Labour MP David Lammy said: "Victims of property crime must be reassured that the police are doing everything possible to catch and convict those responsible.
"Burglary or robbery doesn't simply result in financial loss. It can have long lasting emotional effects." "Burglary or robbery doesn't simply result in financial loss. It can have long-lasting emotional effects."
Max Chambers, head of crime and justice at Policy Exchange, said: "These figures are truly shocking. The fact that no action was taken on nearly half of all incidents last year is unacceptable."Max Chambers, head of crime and justice at Policy Exchange, said: "These figures are truly shocking. The fact that no action was taken on nearly half of all incidents last year is unacceptable."
A Met spokeswoman said: "The Metropolitan Police Service does not drop crimes. All crimes that are reported to police are investigated.A Met spokeswoman said: "The Metropolitan Police Service does not drop crimes. All crimes that are reported to police are investigated.
"Where we are unable to pursue investigations either because there are no realistic leads or proportionate lines of inquiry, then the case will be closed."Where we are unable to pursue investigations either because there are no realistic leads or proportionate lines of inquiry, then the case will be closed.
"Should additional information come to light then the allegation of crime will be reviewed and reopened if appropriate.""Should additional information come to light then the allegation of crime will be reviewed and reopened if appropriate."