Swindon Crime Rate

Swindon is a generally safe local authority area, boasting a safety score of 81/100. The area's overall crime rate is 83.9 per 1,000 residents, which compares favourably to the UK average of 91.6. While there has been a year-over-year increase in crime of 5.1%, Swindon remains safer than many other urban areas of its size. Property crime is recorded at 24.8 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the national average of 32.2. These figures suggest that while Swindon faces typical urban challenges, it maintains a good level of safety for its residents. The data highlights the importance of staying informed about local trends, particularly as the area continues to grow as a major regional hub.

Swindon is a large, diverse local authority area in the South West of England, characterized by its vibrant urban centre and surrounding suburban and rural communities. As a major economic hub, Swindon is home to several high-profile employers in the technology, automotive, and financial sectors. The area's crime statistics are influenced by its role as a regional transport hub, situated along the M4 corridor, and its significant retail and nightlife sectors. The town centre's bustling commercial areas and late-night economy contribute to higher levels of reported activity compared to its more residential outskirts. Swindon's population is a mix of long-term residents and a more transient workforce, which can also influence local crime dynamics. Economic factors, including its status as a growing business hub, mean that the area remains a focal point for activity in the region, which is reflected in its overall crime rate and safety score. Understanding these urban characteristics helps provide context for the area's crime data and safety profile.

Swindon's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 37.7% of all reports, at a rate of 31.6 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common category, representing 18.5% of incidents, followed by shoplifting at 9.1%. These three types make up nearly two-thirds of the total crime in the local authority area.

Property crime in Swindon, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, occurs at a rate of 24.8 per 1,000 people. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.2, it remains a significant area of concern for homeowners and businesses. Shoplifting is a notable factor within this category, reflecting the area's extensive retail sector. Burglary accounts for 2.6% of total crime, while vehicle crime makes up 3.4%. For residents, the data suggests that while personal safety and community order are the primary statistical concerns, property protection is essential. The concentration of theft-related offences in commercial and residential areas highlights the need for robust security measures. Swindon's safety score of 81/100 reflects a community that is generally safer than the national average, despite the challenges typical of a large urban hub.

Swindon's crime trend has seen a 5.1% increase year-over-year. Analysis of the 2025 monthly data shows a relatively consistent level of activity, with some seasonal variation. The year began with a rate of 6.4 in January, rising gradually through the spring and peaking in the summer months, with July recording the highest rate of 8.3 per 1,000 people. Activity then fluctuated slightly, settling at 6.3 in December. This pattern of higher crime during the summer is common in urban areas and may be linked to increased foot traffic and social activity. Despite the overall upward trend, the rate remains below the UK average, suggesting that Swindon is managing its growth while maintaining a good level of safety. Residents should be aware of these seasonal patterns to take extra precautions during peak periods.

In the local regional context, Swindon acts as the primary urban centre, which is reflected in its higher crime rate compared to its more rural neighbours. Areas such as the Vale of White Horse, Cotswold, Wiltshire, West Oxfordshire, West Berkshire, and Oxford all reported zero or exceptionally low crime rates in the recent data. This contrast is typical for a major town surrounded by rural counties. For those considering the region, Swindon offers the amenities and economic opportunities of a large urban hub, while maintaining a safety profile that is better than the UK national average, even if it is more active than the quiet rural areas that border it.

In Swindon, where the property crime rate is 24.8 per 1,000, homeowners and businesses must take a serious approach to security. Traditional security measures, such as standard CCTV or DIY doorbells, are primarily reactive; they record a crime as it happens, often providing footage of an incident only after the damage is done. For a large urban area like Swindon, proactive protection is a far superior strategy. An AI-powered operating system like scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before they escalate. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can distinguish between a resident and an intruder, only alerting you to genuine threats. Its autonomous response features, such as activating lights or audio warnings, are designed to deter criminals at the property line. This "prevention over reaction" model is especially effective in Swindon, where opportunistic theft and shoplifting are notable factors. Professional-grade AI security signals a level of protection that most opportunistic thieves would rather avoid, ensuring your property remains secure.

How To Keep Safe in Swindon

The most prevalent crime type in Swindon is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. To enhance your personal and property safety in this urban environment, consider the following advice:

1. Be aware of your surroundings when out in the town centre or near transport hubs, especially in the evening. Stick to well-lit, busy routes and avoid walking alone if possible.
2. If you experience or witness anti-social behaviour, report it to the local authorities. Your reports help the police identify hotspots and allocate resources more effectively.
3. For those working in or visiting retail areas, stay vigilant against opportunistic theft. Keep personal belongings secure and out of sight.
4. Ensure your home is physically secure with high-quality locks on all doors and windows. Motion-sensor lighting is a simple but effective way to deter unwanted activity around your property.
5. Consider investing in a proactive security system that can detect and deter intruders before they reach your property. Collective vigilance through community safety groups can also help maintain Swindon's overall safety levels.