Rural Swindon Crime Rate

Rural Swindon presents a complex safety profile within the wider Swindon local authority. The area has an overall crime rate of 106.6 per 1,000 people, which is notably higher than the UK national average of 91.7. This results in a safety score of 73/100, positioning it slightly below the UK average of 79. Recent data shows that crime is on an increasing trend, with a 5.6% rise in reported incidents year-over-year. While the rural setting might suggest a quieter environment, the statistics indicate a higher frequency of violence and sexual offences compared to neighbouring urban settlements. Understanding these figures is crucial for residents, as it highlights specific risks, particularly regarding property and vehicle safety in more isolated locations. The following analysis breaks down these trends to provide a clearer picture of the local environment.

Crime Breakdown in Rural Swindon

The crime profile of Rural Swindon is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 43.5% of all recorded incidents (46.4 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 12.9% and public order offences at 9.4%. These figures contribute to a higher overall crime rate compared to neighbouring urban settlements, though they often reflect incidents in specific rural hubs or transient locations rather than widespread residential threats.

Property-related crime in Rural Swindon is recorded at 26.8 per 1,000 people. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.3, it remains a significant concern for the area. Vehicle crime is the most frequent property offence, accounting for 6.4% of total crime, followed closely by burglary at 3.9%. Other theft also makes up 4.8% of the total. For homeowners in these rural areas, the data suggests that while interpersonal and public order crimes are more common, the risk of property crime—particularly vehicle-related theft—is high enough to require consistent security measures. The rural nature of the area can sometimes mean longer police response times, making personal property protection even more vital.

Crime Trends in Rural Swindon

Crime in Rural Swindon is on an upward trajectory, with a 5.6% increase in total reported offences over the last year. The monthly data from late 2024 to late 2025 shows a somewhat volatile pattern. The period began with a relatively high rate of 10.6 per 1,000 in December 2024, followed by a dip in the early months of 2025. Activity peaked in July 2025 at 11.3 per 1,000, before seeing a significant drop to 5.1 in September.

However, the year ended with another sharp increase, reaching 10.8 per 1,000 in November 2025. These fluctuations suggest that crime in Rural Swindon may be influenced by seasonal factors or specific local events. For residents, the overall 5.6% increase and the high year-end figures highlight the importance of staying vigilant. The inconsistency in monthly rates suggests that periods of relative calm can quickly be followed by spikes in activity, making consistent, proactive security measures essential for those living in the area.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Swindon

Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Rural Swindon, accounting for 43.5% of total offences. To enhance personal safety, residents should stay aware of their surroundings, particularly in less populated areas or when using rural footpaths during twilight hours. It is advisable to carry a charged mobile phone and, where possible, walk with others in more isolated locations.

Anti-social behaviour is also a notable concern. Engaging with local community groups and reporting any incidents of ASB can help local authorities target their resources more effectively. For homeowners, especially those with larger or more isolated plots, ensuring that boundaries are clearly defined and well-lit can act as a significant deterrent. Vehicle crime is another area to watch; always double-check that your car is locked and avoid leaving any valuables—even hidden ones—inside the vehicle. Since rural areas can sometimes have longer emergency response times, having a clear security plan and a proactive home protection system can provide an essential extra layer of safety for you and your family.

Crime in Rural Swindon shows a distinct shift in nature between day and night. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are more prominent, with the afternoon being the peak time for burglaries (23%). As the day transitions into evening (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes—which include public order and anti-social behaviour—begin to dominate, making up 51% of incidents. The night period (12am - 6am) is particularly notable for vehicle crime, which surges to 41% of all activity during these hours. This suggests that while personal safety is a concern in the evenings, vehicle and property security are the primary risks during the night. The rural nature of the area likely contributes to these patterns, as isolated vehicles and properties are targeted under the cover of darkness.

Rural Swindon has a higher crime rate (106.6 per 1,000) than many of its immediate neighbours. It is significantly more active than Highworth (47.9) and Broad Blunsdon (47.7), and even exceeds the crime rate of the main Swindon urban area (89.4). This may be due to the large geographical area it covers, including various transport links and rural hubs that can attract different types of criminal activity. For those comparing areas in the region, Rural Swindon stands out as having more frequent reports of violence and public order offences than the surrounding villages. This context is important for anyone considering the region, as it suggests that the 'rural' label does not automatically equate to a lower crime rate than nearby urban settlements.

In Rural Swindon, the property crime rate of 26.8 per 1,000 highlights a clear need for robust home security. Rural properties are often more isolated, which can unfortunately make them attractive to burglars who believe they can operate without being seen. Traditional, reactive security systems like DIY cameras often only provide footage of a crime after it has occurred—offering little comfort to the victim.

A proactive AI-powered system like scOS is far better suited to the challenges of Rural Swindon. By monitoring property boundaries in real-time, scOS can detect a potential intruder the moment they enter your land. The system's multi-camera intelligence never blinks, and its ability to distinguish between family, deliveries, and genuine threats ensures you aren't plagued by false alarms. When a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like high-intensity lighting or audible warnings. This immediate response destroys the element of surprise that rural criminals rely on, forcing them to move on within seconds and preventing the crime before it ever reaches your front door.