Burglary Hotspots Revealed in Wales
A new interactive map has unveiled the burglary hotspots of Wales, shedding light on the areas where police struggle to apprehend offenders. Official data indicates that only a small fraction of burglaries lead to charges or cautions, leaving households at the mercy of inconsistent detection rates based on postcode. In Liswerry & Uskmouth in Newport, for instance, over 70 burglaries were reported in 2024 without a single suspect facing legal consequences.
Last year, a total of 234,000 burglaries were documented in England and Wales, with a mere 5% resulting in charges or cautions, approximately 12,000 cases. These figures encompass various types of break-ins, including those targeting residential properties, sheds, offices, and commercial buildings. By utilising our interactive map, you can ascertain the number of burglaries reported in your neighbourhood in 2024 by simply inputting your postcode.
Analysis of crime data from police forces reveals that burglary rates peak in central London and city centre districts, as well as impacting residential areas. Despite the prevalence of burglaries, many culprits escape consequences, as exemplified by Liswerry & Uskmouth where none of the 72 reported burglaries led to charges or cautions. Investigations in 44 instances concluded without identifying any suspects, while prosecution was impeded in nine cases, leaving 19 cases unresolved.
Liswerry & Uskmouth is just one of 137 neighbourhoods across England and Wales where over 50 burglaries were recorded in 2024 without a single individual being charged or cautioned. Similar scenarios unfolded in areas like New Tredegar & Darren Valley in Caerphilly with 48 burglaries sans charges, and Gabalfa in Cardiff with 47 burglaries unresolved. These distressing statistics exclude Greater Manchester Police’s data for last year and pertain to Middle Super Output Areas designated by the government.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Blyth from Gwent Police emphasised the impact of burglary on victims and affirmed the force’s commitment to diligent investigations and bolstered residential burglary resolution rates in various areas. Additionally, Detective Chief Superintendent Ceri Hughes from South Wales Police highlighted the force’s efforts to apprehend offenders and support victims of residential burglary effectively.
The lack of charges or cautions in certain neighbourhoods underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating burglaries effectively. By addressing these gaps in detection and resolution rates, authorities aim to provide a safer environment for all residents and ensure justice for victims. The public’s awareness of burglary trends and reporting mechanisms can also play a vital role in enhancing community safety and security.
As efforts intensify to tackle burglary hotspots and improve investigation outcomes, collaboration between law enforcement, homeowners, and communities stands as a cornerstone in the pursuit of justice. The ongoing commitment to addressing burglary as a priority crime reflects a shared responsibility towards safeguarding individuals, property, and overall peace of mind within communities.