Swindon Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Swindon

Swindon, with a population of 243,875, records an overall crime rate of 82.9 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure positions Swindon favourably when compared to the national average UK crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000 people. The area also boasts a safety score of 81 out of 100, surpassing the UK average safety score of 78, indicating a relatively secure environment for its inhabitants. Crime trends in Swindon have remained stable over the past year, showing a modest 1.7% change year-over-year. This stability provides a reassuring context for the detailed crime statistics and patterns explored in the following sections.

About Swindon

Swindon is a large town and unitary authority area in Wiltshire, South West England. Historically a railway town, it has evolved into a significant commercial and industrial centre, attracting a diverse population of 243,875 residents. Its characteristics as a bustling urban hub, with a mix of residential zones, a vibrant town centre, and industrial estates, naturally influence its crime statistics. The presence of major transport links, including a busy railway station and proximity to the M4 motorway, contributes to a degree of transient population and activity, which can sometimes correlate with certain crime types. While the town offers numerous employment opportunities and retail experiences, these urban dynamics play a role in shaping the overall crime landscape and safety score observed in Swindon.

Crime Breakdown in Swindon

An analysis of crime types in Swindon reveals that violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 7,580 crimes, or 37.5% of the total, at a rate of 31.1 per 1,000 residents. Following this, anti-social behaviour is the second most prevalent issue, with 3,696 reported incidents, making up 18.3% of all crimes at 15.2 per 1,000 people. Shoplifting ranks as the third most common crime, with 1,827 cases, representing 9.0% of the total and a rate of 7.5 per 1,000 residents.

Focusing on property-related crime, which directly impacts residents and homeowners, Swindon records a rate of 24.6 per 1,000 people per year. This category encompasses burglary (494 crimes), other theft (964 crimes), vehicle crime (704 crimes), criminal damage and arson (1,454 crimes), bicycle theft (259 crimes), robbery (150 crimes), and theft from the person (143 crimes). While the overall property crime rate is lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000, homeowners should remain vigilant. Understanding these prevalent crime types allows residents to take informed preventative measures, particularly concerning the security of their homes and belongings.

Crime Trends in Swindon

Over the last year, Swindon has experienced a stable crime trend, with a slight year-over-year increase of 1.7%. This indicates that the overall crime situation has remained relatively consistent. Examining the monthly trend data provides a more granular view. Crime rates per 1,000 residents fluctuated throughout the period, starting at 6.5 in October 2024 and remaining similar through November (6.5) and December (6.1). There was a slight dip in February 2025 to 6.1, followed by a rise in March (6.8) and April (6.9). The months of May, June, and July 2025 saw higher rates, peaking at 8.3 in July, before declining to 7.0 in August and 6.8 in September. This pattern suggests a seasonal increase in crime during the warmer summer months. For residents, this stable trend with minor seasonal variations means that while there isn't a significant worsening of the crime landscape, vigilance remains important, especially during periods historically showing higher activity.

Crime in Nearby Areas

When considering the regional context, Swindon's crime statistics can be compared with several neighbouring areas. Vale of White Horse, Cotswold, Wiltshire, West Oxfordshire, West Berkshire, and Oxford all contribute to the broader picture of safety in the region. Swindon's overall crime rate of 82.9 per 1,000 is lower than the UK average, and its safety score of 81/100 is higher than the national benchmark. This positions Swindon as a relatively safer area compared to many parts of the country. Examining these nearby areas provides valuable insights for residents, highlighting how Swindon stands in relation to its immediate surroundings and offering a comprehensive understanding of regional safety dynamics.

Home Security and Protection

Understanding Swindon's property crime rate of 24.6 per 1,000 residents is crucial for homeowners looking to enhance their security. While this figure is below the national average, proactive measures are always more effective than reactive responses. Traditional security systems, such as Ring or Nest cameras, primarily record footage of a burglary after it has occurred, providing evidence rather than prevention. DIY systems often only notify you after a break-in, leaving you to react to an event already in progress.

However, a new generation of professional security, like scOS, focuses on preventing crime before it even happens. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system designed to detect threats at your property boundary, not just at the point of entry. By watching all cameras simultaneously with multi-camera intelligence and learning your routines, it can differentiate between family, deliveries, and real threats, significantly reducing false alerts. This proactive approach means that potential intruders are often deterred within the critical 60 seconds where most burglars make their decision to proceed or move on. With features like autonomous response, where lights activate and speakers engage to destroy the element of surprise, professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, making your property a less appealing target. If you are seeking real protection that intervenes in real-time and prevents crime, rather than just recording it, then a proactive system like scOS offers a distinct advantage.