New figures show that the Vale of Glamorgan saw 24 incidents between 2021 and 2025 as part of a wider trend across South Wales, where 221 incidents were reported across Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, and Merthyr Tydfil.
The data, obtained through a Freedom of Information request, covers educational institutions including schools, colleges, and universities.
Rich Quelch, managing director at Nothing But Padlocks, said: “Our research highlights the alarming frequency of break-ins at schools, colleges, universities and nurseries across Wales and the financial impact this is having on the education system at a time of tightening budgets and increasing pressure.
“While it is positive to see the number of recorded incidents by police has been declining since 2023, this remains a sizeable and concerning issue.
“It’s clear more needs to be done to protect educational buildings from opportunistic thieves and further investment in reliable, cost-effective security products to help protect valuable assets and ensure a safer learning environment for students and staff alike.”
Despite the number of incidents, only seven led to a charge or summons, while 161 cases were closed with no identified suspects.
That means just three per cent of incidents resulted in formal action by police.
The most commonly stolen items from educational sites include computers, tablets, televisions, garden equipment, machinery, security technology, and even food and beverages.
The highest number of incidents in South Wales was recorded in Cardiff (83), followed by Rhondda Cynon Taff (38), and Bridgend (23).
Across Wales, there were 668 recorded break-ins or attempted break-ins at educational facilities over the five-year period.
The data was gathered by Nothing But Padlocks, which provides security solutions to schools and other organisations, and submitted freedom of information requests to all four Welsh police forces.
