The Welsh Liberal Democrats have called for a “car theft crackdown” after new figures revealed that more than a third of car thefts recorded in Dyfed-Powys last year were left unsolved.

Data published by the House of Commons Library shows that 38% of car theft offences in the Dyfed-Powys police force area went unsolved in the last year, highlighting growing concerns about police capacity and organised vehicle crime in rural and semi-rural communities across West Wales.

Car theft has become an increasingly organised crime, with many stolen vehicles rapidly dismantled for parts or trafficked across borders within hours of being taken.

Rural areas such as Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion are particularly vulnerable, with longer response times and fewer specialist resources available to investigate complex vehicle crime networks.

The Liberal Democrats say the figures underline the urgent need for better coordination between police forces and national agencies. They are calling for the creation of a specialist car crime unit based at the National Crime Agency, which would bring together:

The proposed unit would focus on disrupting organised car theft gangs, improving vehicle recovery rates, and increasing the proportion of cases resulting in charges.

The party argues that tackling car theft effectively would not only reduce crime but also lower insurance premiums, improve rural safety, and restore public confidence in policing.

Sandra Jervis, Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, said:“Car theft is a real problem in West Wales, and it is deeply worrying to see how many cases are going unsolved. Victims have a right to justice rather than unanswered questions, they deserve so much better.

“The previous Conservative government betrayed our communities with years of brutal cuts to local policing, and now the Labour government is turning a blind eye to this growing epidemic.

“The Liberal Democrats are calling for a car theft crackdown to finally catch the criminals who for too long have been getting away scot-free.”

Following a spate of rural crime in Pembrokeshire, Dyfed Powys Police have in particular advised the farming community to be vigilant and ensure their property is secure after reports of a burglary and an attempted burglary from properties in Haverfordwest, when during the early hours of Sunday, December 14, a small digger was taken from a farm and driven a mile from the location before being abandoned nearby.

Another report was made of an attempted burglary whereby someone has attempted to enter several vehicles and outbuildings at an address before leaving.

Crime prevention activities to prevent theft of agricultural equipment, such as securing property boundaries, by installing fences, gates and warning signs around the farm; and locking equipment and buildings, should be considered.

Visits can be arranged with Dyfed-Powys Police’s Rural Crime Team to mark equipment and conduct a security audit by emailing: [email protected]

Further advice can be found on: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rc/rural-crime/