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Harrogate MP calls for crackdown on 'effectively decriminalised' phone thefts

Friday, 10 April 2026 07:36

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon.

Harrogate MP Tom Gordon has called for urgent action to tackle phone theft after new figures revealed fewer than 5% of cases led to charges in North Yorkshire.

Figures obtained through Freedom of Information requests by the Liberal Democrats show that just 15 out of 305 reported phone thefts resulted in a charge by North Yorkshire Police.

The data, covering 2024/25, also highlights wider challenges faced by police, with 67.54% of cases closed before a suspect was identified.

Tom Gordon said the figures suggest the crime has “effectively been decriminalised”, warning that low charge rates are emboldening offenders.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for a renewed focus on neighbourhood policing, including more visible officers on the streets and a dedicated, staffed police desk in every community as part of what they describe as a “Police Counter Promise”.

Tom said:

“People could be forgiven for concluding phone theft has been effectively decriminalised. Criminal gangs are feeling emboldened to strike in broad daylight, safe in the knowledge they have a less than 4.92% chance of ever being caught.

“A stolen phone isn't just an expensive item, it holds your entire digital life, from bank accounts to private messages. The fact that so many cases are closed by North Yorkshire Police without a suspect even being named is a slap in the face to victims across the county.

“The Liberal Democrats are calling time on this phone snatching epidemic. The Government needs to get on with guaranteeing a police desk in every community, and restoring neighbourhood policing, only then will we be able to crack down on this daylight robbery.”

The Liberal Democrats are also urging the Government to strengthen regulations requiring phone providers to immediately disable stolen devices, aiming to reduce resale opportunities often exploited by criminal gangs.

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