Wincanton Crime Rate

Wincanton is a prominent town in South Somerset with an overall crime rate of 96.5 per 1,000 people. This is slightly higher than the UK national average of 93.1, resulting in a safety score of 77/100. The crime trend in Wincanton is currently stable, with a slight decrease of 1.4% year-over-year. As a town located near the A303, it serves as an important residential and commercial centre, which influences its crime profile. Understanding these statistics is vital for residents and businesses to ensure they are adequately protected and aware of local safety trends.

Crime Breakdown in Wincanton

Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Wincanton, accounting for 40.7% of all reports (259 crimes). Shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are also significant, each representing 14.1% of the total. Property crime in Wincanton, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and theft, occurs at a rate of 31.5 per 1,000 people. This is very close to the UK average of 32.9, indicating that property security is a relevant concern for local residents. For homeowners, the data shows 16 burglaries and 8 vehicle crimes reported annually. The high proportion of shoplifting (90 cases) reflects Wincanton's role as a local commercial hub, while the volume of violence-related offences suggests that personal safety remains a key focus for the community.

Wincanton Crime Trends

The crime trend in Wincanton is currently stable, with a slight 1.4% decrease year-over-year. Monthly analysis shows that crime rates peaked in April (10.5), May (10.8), and August (10.3) 2025. The lowest rate was recorded in February at 5.6 per 1,000. This suggests a seasonal trend where crime increases during the warmer months. For residents, the overall stability is encouraging, but the spikes in spring and summer indicate that extra vigilance is needed during these periods when public activity in the town is at its highest.

How To Keep Safe in Wincanton

As violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type in Wincanton, personal safety and situational awareness are highly recommended.

1. Avoid walking alone in unlit or isolated areas at night, particularly around the town's outskirts or less busy residential streets.
2. Be aware of your surroundings in the town centre, especially during the evening when anti-social behaviour is more common.
3. If you are a local business owner, consider joining a Shopwatch scheme to help combat the high rates of shoplifting.
4. Ensure your home's exterior is well-lit with motion-sensor lighting to deter intruders and anti-social behaviour.
5. Report any suspicious activity to the local police; community reporting is vital for effective policing and resource allocation.

Wincanton Crime Time Patterns

Crime in Wincanton shows a clear temporal pattern. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the most significant issue, accounting for 58% and 60% of reports respectively, largely driven by shoplifting in the town's commercial areas. As evening falls, the profile shifts; 'Other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become the dominant category, making up 54% of evening reports. During the night (12am - 6am), burglary and vehicle crime become higher risks, representing 21% and 19% of incidents respectively. This indicates that while theft is a major daytime concern, the most serious threats to property and personal safety intensify during the evening and overnight hours.

Regional Context and Comparisons

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Wincanton has a higher crime rate, typical for a larger settlement. Nearby Templecombe (72.9) and Bruton (60.6) both report lower crime rates, while Buckhorn Weston and Bourton reported zero crimes, highlighting the safety of the surrounding rural areas. Wincanton's rate of 96.5 is the highest in its local area, reflecting its greater population density and commercial activity. For residents, this means that while the town is generally safe, it requires more proactive security measures than the smaller, quieter villages nearby.

Proactive Security in Wincanton

With a property crime rate of 31.5 per 1,000, Wincanton residents should consider a more advanced approach to home security. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, providing footage only after a crime has been committed. scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI to detect threats at the property boundary. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour and trigger an autonomous response, such as activating deterrent lighting or audio warnings, before an intruder can enter. This proactive protection is designed to make criminals move on in the first 60 seconds of their attempt. For Wincanton homeowners, scOS provides the peace of mind that comes from a system that actively prevents crime rather than just recording it, ensuring your home remains secure.