The number of burglaries in Norwich soared by 48pc in one year, new monthly figures have revealed.
The latest data from Norfolk Constabulary's crime map shows a total of 64 burglary incidents were reported in August 2023, up from 43 during the same month last year.
Norwich North was the worst affected region as it saw figures more than triple from 10 to 23.
However, police have stressed that in the 12-month period ending in August 2023, burglaries in Norwich reduced by 20.4pc overall when compared to the previous 12 months ending August 2022.
They also pointed to Norfolk as a whole having the second-lowest burglary rate in the country.
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The August comparison spike comes as the National Crime Agency (NCA) warns of the damaging impact of the cost of living crisis.
Graeme Biggar, director general of the organisation, said earlier this year that it is "highly likely that all areas of organised acquisitive crime will increase" further "in the coming years" as "increases in the cost of living" lead more offenders to try to raise money unlawfully.
Steve Morphew, head of the Labour Group at Norfolk County Council, also pointed towards financial desperation as a leading cause of theft.
"Burglary is a horrible and intrusive crime," he said. "People have their homes violated as well as their possessions stolen.
"While there's no excuse we often see increases in burglary when desperation is driving people and undermining basic values like respect for homes and property.
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"Although our police work hard for us there aren't enough police to detect and deter. This is a crime problem linked to the cost of living crisis.
"We won't reduce one without tackling both. The longer we leave it the harder it gets."
Earlier this month, this newspaper revealed that the number of shoplifting cases in Norwich had risen by 70pc.
The wave saw independent shops plead with police to do more, with some warning that the city was at risk of turning into the "wild west" unless action was taken.
"Beyond the financial losses – which can be devastating - burglaries can have far-reaching and long-term impacts on victims’ lives," said Alex Mayes, external affairs manager at the charity Victim Support.
"Home should be the place where we feel most safe.
"A burglary is an invasion of that space and can deeply unsettle people’s sense of security. For some, it could mean the loss of treasured belongings and memories that can never be replaced.
"Burglary must be taken seriously by the police and government so that victims receive the help and justice they deserve.
"Support services like Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care also offer specialist help to support people to cope and move on to the point where they feel they are back on track with their lives – people can also contact our free 24/7 Supportline on 0808 16 89 111."
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Norfolk Constabulary released its overall statistics from the Office of National Statistics on Tuesday, for the 12 months ending in June 2023.
That data points to a 6pc decline in recorded crime in the county in comparison to the previous year, from 65,115 crimes to 69,237.
There were reductions in stalking and harassment (21.9pc), drug offences (7.8pc), public order, (18.3pc) and violence (8.4pc).
These figures showed that county-wide burglary was down 3.9pc, to 1,950 from 2,030.
Shoplifting is up 25.6pc, to a total of 4,185 reports, and there were also increases in violence with injury, robbery, weapons possession and knife crime.
Chief Constable Paul Sanford said: “Norfolk remains a safe place to live.
“These results also come at a time when the constabulary has one of the highest detection rates in the country.
"Norfolk is a strong performing force, and my officers and staff are committed to tackling the crimes that matter most to our communities.”
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