'Protect public from vehicle theft epidemic' - Davey

Sir Ed Davey made the comments during a visit to a bicycle repair shop in Thame

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called on the government to "protect" the public from the "epidemic" of vehicle thefts by ruling out policing budget cuts.

Home Office statistics show that nearly 2,500 cases of vehicle thefts were reported in the Thames Valley last year, with fewer than 3% of those resulting in charges.

Sir Ed made the comments whilst on a visit to a bicycle repair shop in Thame, Oxfordshire, alongside the Lib Dem MP for Henley and Thame Freddie van Mierlo.

The Home Office said it was working to "prevent and reduce vehicle crime nationally" through a National Vehicle Crime Working Group.

Speaking at Thame Cycle, where he and van Mierlo went for a ride of their own, Sir Ed said: "Freddie and I may be the ones on our bikes today, but it is thieves who are taking people for a ride as they steal cars and get away with it."

"It is a crime that is immensely damaging to victims, yet few criminals are ever held accountable for their actions. Our police need back up from this government."

Local Lib Dem MP Freddie van Mierlo, left, joined Sir Ed on the visit

Van Mierlo added that there was a car theft "epidemic plaguing Oxfordshire".

"Thames Valley Police do incredible work, but they're stretched after years of cuts from successive governments," he said.

Sir Ed said the government needed to "get a grip" on the crime, adding: "We need our forces around the country to be supported and well-resourced."

During the visit, he also called on chancellor Rachel Reeves to "back up" the police by ruling out any budget cuts in the upcoming Spending Review.

"Our police must have the resources they need so they can tackle this problem," van Mierlo added.

A spokesperson for the Home Office said: "Vehicle theft has a huge impact on individuals, businesses and industry, and for too long, many of the victims have felt that not enough was being done to prevent their vehicles being stolen, or track down the thieves responsible.

"We are working closely with the National Police Chiefs' Council to prevent and reduce vehicle crime nationally through a National Vehicle Crime Working Group, and bringing forward legislation to ban electronic devices used to steal vehicles.

"This will empower the police and courts to target the criminals using, manufacturing and supplying them."

The Treasury told the BBC it would not comment on "speculation" regarding the Spending Review.