Eight incidents were reported in the Vale of Glamorgan in 2025, up from two the previous year and above the annual average since 2021.
Five incidents were recorded in both 2021 and 2022, and four took place in 2023, according to figures released by South Wales Police under the Freedom of Information Act.
In total, the force recorded 24 break-ins at educational sites in the Vale of Glamorgan between 2021 and 2025.
These figures form part of a wider trend across the South Wales Police area, which covers 221 incidents over the same five-year period.
The data covers primary and secondary schools, sixth forms, further education colleges, and other education premises.
Across the force area, recorded incidents rose from 42 in 2021 to 52 in 2023, dropped to 31 in 2024, and rose again to 45 in 2025.
Cardiff had the highest number of reported break-ins with 92, followed by Rhondda Cynon Taff (38), Vale of Glamorgan (24), Bridgend (23), Neath Port Talbot (20), Swansea (18), and Merthyr Tydfil (15).
The Vale accounted for roughly one in nine of all incidents recorded by South Wales Police during this period.
Despite the number of reports, very few resulted in charges or summonses.
Out of the 221 cases, only seven led to formal charges, with a further small number resulting in youth cautions, community resolutions, or cases being closed as “not in the public interest.”
In 161 cases, police recorded the outcome as “investigation complete – no suspect identified.” In another 39 cases, evidence was found to be insufficient or the victim did not support further action.
The information was shared in a Freedom of Information response dated March 12, 2026.
South Wales Police noted that the data was based on its crime recording system and may include some inaccuracies.
The force said the numbers are its “best interpretation of relevance of data” to the request.
South Wales Police had not commented on the figures or the low charge rate at the time of publication.
