The Dyfed-Powys Police area has reported the highest percentage increase in residential burglaries in Wales and England, according to latest ONS figures.
The force, which covers Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys, reported a 27% increase in the year to December 2024.
Car mechanic Dafydd Jones, 27, who recently had thousands of pounds worth of tools stolen from his shed in Ceredigion, said the rise in crime was a “big worry”.
Dyfed-Powys Police said its transition to a new crime reporting system was partly behind the rise for 2024, adding the actual increase was 26%.
The force said its officers were committed to attending and investigating residential burglaries.
The ONS data indicated a 7% decrease in reports of residential burglaries across Wales and England as a whole.
Mr Jones found £3,000-£4,000 worth of tools stolen from his farm shed in Ffair Rhos, Ceredigion, when he came home from work on 12 May.
He said many of the tools stolen were ones he needed for his work as a mechanic, while others had personal value such as tools that were inherited with his farm and others which he bought as an apprentice car technician.
‘I’ll never forget about this’
Mr Jones, who reported the incident to the police, said it had had a massive impact on his daily life.
“I’ll never forget about this and I’ll always be thinking about it,” he said.
“Even when I go out to the shops, or to check on the sheep, I’ll be thinking ‘could someone be robbing the shed?’
“It’s just not nice when you’ve worked so hard for your money and to buy everything you need.”
Mr Jones said a rise in rural crime and burglaries had become a big worry for people in his local area.
“There’s a lot of rural crime going on at the moment, with quadbikes and farming tools being taken.
“Other people that I’ve spoken to are scared of their stuff being taken as well.”
Mr Jones said he understood it was difficult for the police to monitor everything, especially in rural areas, but felt the issue was not being taken seriously enough.
“There should be more of a hunger to find the people responsible.”
In the Dyfed-Powys Police force area, ONS figures showed Powys had seen the highest increase in residential burglaries in Wales, with an 81% spike in the year to December 2024.
In Ceredigion, the ONS data showed a 60% increase in residential burglaries in the same period while Carmarthenshire saw a 50% rise.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “While it is difficult to comment on the exact reason for the increase in reports of burglaries, we are aware of national reporting issues due to our transition to a new crime system in 2023 which led to the figures being more than they should be in 2024.
“Measures have been taken to correct the figures however this may not be reflected in the published ONS data.”
In amended figures provided by Dyfed-Powys Police, the force reported a 26% rise in residential burglaries in its area, meaning it still had the highest percentage increase in residential burglaries in Wales and England over the period.
Powys saw a rise of 55% in the amended figures, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire reported a 27% and 26% increase respectively while Pembrokeshire – also in the force area – saw a smaller increase of 1%.
The force said it “acknowledged the significant impact that crimes of this nature have on victims and the worry it can cause to the wider community”.
It said police forces across Wales and England had implemented a new policy in 2023 to ensure police attend every reported residential dwelling burglary.
It said its officers were committed to attending and investigating burglaries and urged the public to continue reporting them.
How can I protect my home from burglars?
The charity Crimestoppers recommends taking the following steps to protect your property from burglars.
- Fit burglar alarms with flashing lights and sounders at the front and back
- Switch lights or a radio on when you go out
- Check that all doors and windows are properly closed and locked
- Make sure side and back gates are secure
- Don’t leave garden tools outside, keep ladders out of sight and ensure sheds, garages and outbuildings are locked
- Fit tamper-proof automatic outside security lights
- Even when you’re at home, try not to leave accessible windows open at night
