Wiltshire Crime Rate

Wiltshire exhibits a crime rate of 60.5 per 1,000 residents annually, based on data collected between February 2025 and January 2026. This figure places it below the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000 and a safety score of 86/100. While fluctuations occur month-to-month, overall crime rates have remained stable, demonstrating a slight increase of 1.7% year-on-year. This report provides a detailed breakdown of crime types and trends within Wiltshire, along with practical safety advice for residents.

Wiltshire’s crime statistics are influenced by a combination of factors. As a predominantly rural county with pockets of urban areas, the demographics and activities within the local authority district contribute to crime rates. The presence of military bases, such as RAF Lyneham, and popular tourist destinations can also impact crime patterns. While the majority of Wiltshire is characterised by lower population density, areas like Salisbury and Swindon exhibit higher crime rates reflective of urban environments and increased population concentration. The county's varied geography and diverse communities contribute to the complexity of understanding and addressing crime trends.

The most prevalent crimes in Wiltshire are violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37.9% of all reported incidents (12,005 crimes). Anti-social behaviour follows at 19.4% (6,151 crimes), and criminal damage and arson contribute 8.9% (2,819 crimes). Overall property crime within Wiltshire is recorded at 17.9 per 1,000 residents annually. Other notable crime types include public order offences (7.6%), shoplifting (6.8%), and theft (5.5%). Burglary represents a smaller proportion of crime, standing at 3.7% (1,163 crimes), while vehicle crime accounts for 3.2% (1,029 crimes).

Crime rates in Wiltshire have remained relatively stable over the period from February 2025 to January 2026, exhibiting a slight year-on-year increase of 1.7%. Monthly data reveals fluctuations; for instance, crime rates peaked in July 2025 at 5.9 per 1,000 residents and were lowest in September 2025 at 4.7 per 1,000 residents. The most recent data for January 2026 shows a rate of 4.6 per 1,000 residents, suggesting a continued pattern of minor variation.

Wiltshire’s crime rate of 60.5 per 1,000 is notably lower than surrounding local authorities. Swindon, Test Valley, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, West Berkshire, and Vale of White Horse all record zero per 1,000. This suggests Wiltshire benefits from a generally lower crime environment compared to its immediate neighbours.

Traditional CCTV systems often serve as a reactive measure, simply recording events after they’ve occurred. With a crime rate of 60.5 per 1,000 in Wiltshire, proactive protection is increasingly valuable. scOS offers a different approach, leveraging AI to detect potential threats at your property boundary before they escalate. Its multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification capabilities can identify suspicious vehicles and individuals, while pattern learning ensures that only genuine threats trigger alerts. The visible deterrence of scOS – a system that actively protects – can often prevent incidents altogether. While DIY security systems have their place, the professional-grade equipment and AI-powered intelligence of scOS offers a level of protection that is demonstrably more effective.

How To Keep Safe in Wiltshire

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. With anti-social behaviour being a significant concern, consider participating in neighbourhood watch schemes and fostering a sense of community. Due to the incidence of criminal damage and arson, ensure your property is well-secured and any potential fire hazards are addressed. Finally, be vigilant against theft, especially in crowded areas, by keeping valuables secure and out of sight.