GWENT Police close investigations without identifying a suspect in two thirds of household burglaries and seven in 10 reported vehicle thefts, new analysis shows.

They also ended around four in 10 shoplifting cases with the same outcome.

Across the three offences, around 3,500 investigations in Gwent were shut with no suspected culprit in the frame, the Press Association found.

The revelations prompted warnings that victims could be put off reporting offences, while criminals are given a "green light to reoffend".

Police chiefs say increased demand and reduced officer numbers mean they have to prioritise cases where there is a realistic chance of prosecution.

The figures were extracted from Home Office crime outcomes data, and cover the 12 months to March 2018.

They show that out of the 1,996 household burglary cases opened over that period by Gwent Police, 67 per cent were categorised as "investigation complete - no suspect identified".

This is used when a reported crime has been investigated “as far as reasonably possible” and the case is closed pending further investigative opportunities.

Of the total burglary cases, Gwent Police brought 114 people to court.

Of the 751 vehicle thefts recorded in Gwent, 69 per cent ended up with no suspect being identified, while in the 3,888 shoplifting cases, 1,623 of them were closed with the same outcome.

The police charged 29 suspects with car theft, and 1,030 for shoplifting.

A Home Office spokesman said: "We expect the police to take all reports of crime seriously, to investigate and to bring the offenders to court so that they can receive appropriate punishment.

"However we recognise that crime is changing and police demand is becoming increasingly complex. That is why we have provided a strong and comprehensive £13 billion funding settlement to ensure the police have the resources they need to carry out their vital work."