I Proved The Police Don't Investigate Crime - Dr Lawrence Newport

The Bike Theft Experiment and Police Apathy

Newport’s campaign, Crush Crime, began after noticing a disturbing pattern among friends and acquaintances: many had their phones or bikes stolen, and the police response was minimal or non-existent. To demonstrate this, he conducted a striking experiment by purchasing a bike, outfitting it with GPS trackers, and locking it outside the Metropolitan Police headquarters, an area heavily covered by CCTV and in full view of Parliament and Big Ben. Despite the bike being chained and tracked, it was stolen within two days. When Newport reported the theft, the police initially closed the case without reviewing any CCTV footage or pursuing the investigation. Only after media attention, notably from The Telegraph, did the police claim they would review the footage, but in reality, no such review took place. Even when Newport provided precise GPS data showing the bike’s movements, the police refused to act, citing logistical excuses such as the bike being inside a block of flats, which they would not investigate.

This case exemplifies a broader trend where less than 1% of theft cases result in a suspect being identified, reflecting a widespread disinterest or inability within the police force to investigate these crimes properly. Newport also shared similar stories from victims of car theft and burglary, all pointing to a systemic failure to utilize available evidence like CCTV footage.

The Scale and Impact of Low-Level Crime

Newport emphasizes that this issue is not limited to isolated incidents but is part of a growing wave of low-level crime that is effectively becoming “legal” due to police inaction. Theft from the person, shoplifting, and bike theft have all reached record highs, with over 115,000 phones stolen in London alone last year. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that a small percentage of career criminals—about 9%—are responsible for over half of all crime. These offenders often have dozens or even hundreds of offenses to their name, yet many receive minimal sentences or suspended sentences, allowing them to continue offending with little consequence.

The criminal networks behind these thefts are highly organized, with rapid supply chains that move stolen goods from the streets of London to shops and even overseas markets within days. This sophistication, combined with the lack of effective policing, creates a lucrative environment for offenders, who can make a substantial, tax-free income from their activities.

Failures in Policing and the Justice System

Newport highlights the demoralizing effect this has on police officers who want to do their jobs but are constrained by systemic issues. Investigations are often not pursued, evidence is ignored, and even when offenders are caught, the courts frequently impose lenient sentences. The backlog in the court system, with tens of thousands of cases waiting trial, and the chronic shortage of prison places—operating at nearly 100% capacity—compound the problem. The government’s failure to build sufficient prison capacity over the past decade, despite population growth, has left the system unable to cope.

Moreover, the justice system’s inefficiencies mean that even prolific offenders with hundreds of convictions can receive suspended sentences or short prison terms, often serving only weeks before release. This cycle perpetuates crime and undermines public confidence.

Ideological and Political Dimensions

The discussion also touches on ideological factors influencing the current state of policing and sentencing. There is a prevailing view among some policymakers and parts of the justice system that prisons are outdated institutions and that rehabilitation should be prioritized over incarceration. While rehabilitation is important, Newport argues that the primary duty of the state must be public protection, especially from career criminals who pose ongoing threats.

Political blame is often deflected among various actors—the police blame the mayor, the mayor blames central government, and so on—resulting in a lack of clear accountability or leadership. This diffuse responsibility allows systemic failures to persist unaddressed.

The Disconnect Between Policing Priorities and Public Experience

Newport and the host discuss the paradox of police resources being allocated to policing speech or minor offenses, while serious and frequent crimes like theft go largely ignored. High-profile cases of arrests for social media posts contrast sharply with the neglect of everyday crimes that affect millions. This misalignment of priorities contributes to public distrust and a sense of lawlessness.

The erosion of the social contract between the public and the police is a critical concern. As trust declines, so does cooperation, making effective policing even more difficult. The public’s perception of safety diminishes, and the quality of life deteriorates as people feel compelled to take precautions against theft and crime in their daily lives.

The Broader Social Impact and the Future

The conversation also explores the wider societal consequences of this breakdown. The normalization of crime and impunity fosters a culture of decay and distrust. Businesses suffer, tourism is affected, and communities feel less safe. The younger generation, in particular, faces a bleak outlook, with economic stagnation, limited opportunities, and a justice system that fails to protect them.

Newport stresses the importance of political will and leadership to reverse these trends. He advocates for emergency measures such as designating emergency prisons, extending court hours, and focusing on swift justice for first-time offenders to prevent them from becoming career criminals. Targeted policing of prolific offenders can dramatically reduce crime rates, as demonstrated in localized operations.