BURGLARIES are going unsolved across Chelmsford, with the vast majority of cases being closed before a suspect is identified.

Figures released via a Weekly News Freedom of Information request show Chelmsford properties are targeted by burglars more than three times per day, with only 1.7 per cent of cases being solved.

The statistics mean police detection rates in the borough are one of the lowest in the whole of Essex.

A total of 650 incidents were reported between January and July, and 549 cases have already been closed with no suspect identified.

Similar trends have also emerged across north Essex.

So far, only three per cent of burglaries have been solved in Colchester, and only 2 per cent in Braintree.

In Maldon, only two burglaries have been solved out of the 218 reported to police.

Supt Kevin Baldwin insisted police remain committed to solving burglaries despite major cutbacks to the force.

He said: “Burglaries are distressing for victims which is why tackling these offences is a top priority. We remain committed to driving down burglaries and have put a number of initiatives in place.”

“We are currently running Operation Malta which has seen a number of arrests in connection with burglaries over recent weeks, following the deployment of specialist officers to support our local teams.

“A youth was recently sentenced to a year in prison for burglary and another is due to be sentenced soon. We will continue to target these people and bring them to justice.”

Close analysis of police data shows a large proportion of burglaries are opportunist, with criminals taking advantage of open doors and windows.

Mr Baldwin urged residents across the county to ensure their houses are secure.

Anyone with information about burglaries have been asked to contact police.

Mr Baldwin continued: “We continue to work closely with other agencies, partners and support schemes such as Neighbourhood Watch who assist with providing visibility in hotspot areas to act as deterrents to opportunist burglars.”

Of the 7,425 burglaries assigned to officers throughout Essex, the total number of resolutions currently stands at 301.

This means burglars are getting away with 96 per cent of break-ins.

A spokesman for Essex Police admitted the crime is tough to tackle.

Explaining the techniques the force uses to catch offenders, the spokesman said: “Solving burglary offences can be challenging and complex.

“We use a range of techniques in our investigative approach including conducting forensic examinations where there are opportunities to do so, analysing trends to identify hotspots and dedicating patrol time at key periods.”

Essex Police has closed stations and reduced PCSOs to save £63million by 2020.