I felt let down after police text message
PETER Dearsley was left furious after being told the investigation into his stolen car had been abandoned after just 24 hours.
The 37-year-old graphic designer told the Daily Express that police made no inquiries about the thieves of his Ford S-Max people carrier.
Officers even suggested he investigate the crime himself but shopkeepers refused to share CCTV footage which might have shown the theft.
Mr Dearsley said: “I got a text message saying the case has been closed, here’s your crime reference number.
“I wasn’t happy with that so I called the police and said ‘I’m a bit baffled.’ I said there are two shops with CCTV – they could have picked up some of it.
“The lady said, ‘We don’t have the resources but if you want go down and have a look and get back to us’.”
The father of three, from South Woodford in north-east London, bought the £14,000 vehicle five months before the theft. He said of his experience dealing with the Metropolitan Police: “It just felt like the world’s gone mad.
“It’s the human interaction part. I feel let down.”
The text message stated: “At this stage the report will be closed, no CCTV, no witnesses, no suspects and no forensic opportunities.
“The report will be closed pending any further evidence which comes to light.”
A Metropolitan Police Spokesman said: “We routinely notify victims of crime via many different methods, including text.”