One in six crimes in Lincolnshire were “screened out” by police last year, it has been revealed.
Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show that 7,849 crimes were not investigated by Lincolnshire Police, and instead filed as completed without the need for any further investigation.
In 2009, a total of 51,341 crimes were reported to the county’s force – meaning 15 per cent – or approximately one in six – weren’t investigated.
Lincolnshire Police’s Crime Registrar, Pete Bray, said that the term “screened out” refers to those crimes which do not need any further investigation and can be filed as completed.
“A decision is made about whether a crime is screened in or out after viewing all the information available after an initial investigation, whether it be by telephone or by physical attendance.
“We ask if further investigation is going to lead to the detection of the offence, and if it is an effective use of resources. A judgement is made on each crime based on these questions.”
When crimes have been screened out, no officer visits the scene of the crime and no attempt is made to catch the culprit.
Lincolnshire Police also said screening out was necessary in order to make best use of limited resources.
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