Claim that only one-in-20 local burglaries result in charge
The Welsh Liberal Democrats claim that 2025 crime figures that they have analysed show a total of 1,410 burglaries were recorded in our force area, with just 5.3% resulting in a charge, and 59.7% closing without the police identifying a suspect.
However, Dyfed-Powys Police have responded by saying that they have actually achieved a 6.88% charge rate, which is above the England and Wales average of 6.24%.
Nevertheless, the figures make depressing reading with one Montgomeryshire councillor slamming the Government’s handling of crime as “asleep at the wheel”.
Welsh Liberal Democrat councillor for Llanidloes, Glyn Preston, has also called for emergency legislation to legally bind police forces to attend every single burglary.
Cllr Preston said: “It is unacceptable that families and businesses across Mid Wales are being left terrified as the vast majority of burglaries go unsolved. The Government has been asleep at the wheel, a persistent lack of support for community policing has left our streets vulnerable.
“In 94% of burglary cases, the victims never see someone charged - that has to change. Dyfed-Powys Police officers work tirelessly but they require the proper resources and mandate from central government to ensure every single case is rigorously investigated.
“That’s why I’m demanding urgent action from the Prime Minister, to restore neighbourhood policing and back our calls for an investigation guarantee for all burglaries in Mid Wales.”
We put those claims to Dyfed-Powys Police who explained that some of the 1,440 burglary cases that they have listed in 2025 were still under investigation and that charges were brought after the Home Office had collated their numbers, nudging their own charge estimates up to 6.88%.
This is what they told us:
“Dyfed-Powys Police acknowledges the significant impact that crimes of this nature have on victims and the worry it can cause to the wider community.
“It is worth noting that of the 1,440 burglary classed offences reported to the force in 2025, a large portion of these are attempted burglaries (such as door handle tries/damage of a window or door with no entry gained), which ultimately are recorded statistically as burglary incidents. There are very few lines of enquiry with such offences which makes it extremely difficult to progress an investigation.
“Burglary is an incredibly invasive crime which we know has a significant impact on victims and this is why in March 2023, police forces across England and Wales implemented a new attendance policy to ensure police attendance at every reported residential dwelling burglary.
“Our officers are committed to investigating these reports and we urge the public to continue reporting instances to us.”
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