Crooks are not being brought to justice in more than half of Scotland’s car thefts, the Daily Record can reveal.
Calls have been made for a new focus on motor thefts as criminal gangs target luxury cars in a wave of hi-tech heists.
More than half of car thefts are “not detected” by police and do not result in criminal proceedings, according to official figures obtained by the Scottish Lib Dems.
A freedom of information request revealed that 57 per cent of all car thefts during 2021-22 did not result in criminal proceedings.
Scottish Lib Dem justice spokesperson Liam McArthur demanded action from the Scottish Government to protect the policing budget and boost community policing.