Less than 6% of burglaries lead to charges as fear grows in rural communities
POWYS has been named the most unsafe area in England and Wales for home break-ins, with new figures revealing an 81% rise in residential burglaries.
The alarming statistic comes from a new analysis of Office for National Statistics data by insurance firm SJL, which shows that Wales dominates the list of the ten worst areas for burglary increases.
Ceredigion saw a 60% rise in reported break-ins in 2024, placing it fourth on the list, while Carmarthenshire was eighth with a 49% increase.
Despite a nationwide fall in burglaries of 3.5% last year, the figures reveal growing regional disparities and have sparked concerns about policing, home security, and public safety in parts of rural Wales.
Less than 6% of burglary cases across England and Wales result in a charge, fuelling public concern about ineffective deterrents and a lack of accountability.
Speaking about the data, Craig Morgan from SJL said: “It’s deeply troubling to see such a sharp rise in home break-ins across parts of Wales. When Powys tops the list with an 81% increase, it’s not just a statistic – it’s a sign that many families feel more vulnerable in their own homes.
“While burglary may be falling nationally, these regional spikes show we can’t be complacent. More targeted support, better prevention strategies and real accountability in law enforcement are urgently needed.”
Other areas seeing large rises include Rugby in the West Midlands (68%), North Norfolk (65%) and the Staffordshire Moorlands (52%). But Welsh counties featured heavily in the top ten, underlining growing concern in the region.
The full list of worst-hit areas is:
Rank Area % Rise in Burglaries
1 Powys 81.4%
2 Rugby 68.0%
3 North Norfolk 65.0%
4 Ceredigion 60.3%
5 Staffordshire Moorlands 52.0%
6 South Devon & Dartmoor 51.4%
7 Lancaster 50.4%
8 Carmarthenshire 49.8%
9 Mid Sussex 47.8%
10 Fylde 44.7%
While the long-term national trend in burglaries is down – with improvements credited to better home security and police work targeting repeat offenders – campaigners say these figures show a need for urgent local action.
SJL has also issued advice to help householders protect their homes:
Upgrade locks – Use anti-snap cylinders and ensure doors and windows have quality locks.
Install motion-activated lighting – Deters intruders and helps neighbours spot suspicious activity.
Use smart technology – Alarms, doorbell cameras and remote monitoring are becoming essential tools.
Check insurance – Make sure home and contents cover is up to date and reflects the value of belongings.
Don’t advertise holidays – Avoid posting absences on social media and use timers to give the impression someone’s home.
The Herald understands that local police forces have been informed of the figures and are expected to review crime prevention strategies in the worst-affected counties.
