A REPORT published this week by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary has found that some crimes - including criminal damage and car crime - are “on the verge of being decriminalised” because some police forces have “almost given up”.

The report, which followed an inspection of police forces throughout England and Wales, was published earlier this week and also suggested that police were asking victims to check for fingerprints and CCTV footage themselves.

The authors also criticised South Wales Police in a direct letter and were singled out for not having “an overarching crime prevention strategy”.

They were also advised to provide detailed crime prevention advice for free on the force's website for the public and staff alike.

In addition, it was observed that many reported thefts did not result in police attending the scene of the crime, with police instead using telephone assessments to determine what action to take.

Vale-resident and Regional AM, Andrew RT Davies said: “This report appears to confirm what many members of the public have long suspected, that some crimes just aren’t being investigated.

“Worse still, that in too many cases it is the victims of crimes who are being asked to carry out the investigative work.

“The report does offer some constructive advice for the Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael, though, and there are a range of sensible measures which could be introduced to better educate public and staff alike on crime prevention.

“In the long run, it is absolutely vital that the perception is not allowed to fester that petty criminals have a carte blanche to carry out certain offences.”