Wiltshire Crime Rate

Wiltshire is one of the safest regions in the UK, with an overall crime rate of 60.2 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the national average of 91.7. The county boasts an impressive safety score of 86/100, far exceeding the UK average of 79. Recent data indicates that the crime trend is stable, with only a 1.0% change year-over-year. This consistency highlights Wiltshire's reputation as a secure and peaceful place to live and work. While the figures are generally low, understanding the local crime landscape is essential for maintaining this high standard of safety. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of crime types, monthly patterns, and regional comparisons.

About Wiltshire

Wiltshire is a predominantly rural and suburban county in South West England, characterised by its historic market towns and vast areas of agricultural land. The area's crime statistics are influenced by its unique geography, which includes major transport corridors like the M4 and A303, as well as significant military installations and tourist attractions such as Stonehenge.

The population is a mix of settled residents in affluent villages and more transient populations in the larger towns. Economically, the county benefits from a strong service sector, military employment, and a thriving tourism industry. These factors contribute to a relatively low crime rate compared to the UK average, as the lower population density and strong community ties often act as natural deterrents. However, the presence of affluent residential areas can sometimes attract opportunistic property crime, while the county's road networks can be a factor in cross-border criminal activity.

Crime Breakdown in Wiltshire

In Wiltshire, the most common categories of reported crime are violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and criminal damage and arson. Violence and sexual offences make up the largest portion of the total, with 11,937 incidents (37.8% of all crime), followed by anti-social behaviour at 6,117 reports (19.4%). Criminal damage and arson also account for a significant 8.9% of total crime, with 2,801 recorded cases.

Property crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and arson—occurs at a rate of 17.8 per 1,000 residents. This is remarkably low compared to the UK average of 32.3, reflecting Wiltshire's status as one of the safer counties in the country. Despite these positive figures, burglary (2.1 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (1.9 per 1,000) still present risks to homeowners. For residents, the data suggests that while the overall environment is safe, basic security precautions remain necessary to protect against opportunistic theft and damage, particularly in more isolated or affluent rural locations.

Wiltshire Crime Trends

The crime trend in Wiltshire is currently classified as stable, with a minor 1.0% increase year-over-year. An analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a very consistent pattern, with the crime rate per 1,000 people fluctuating between 4.4 and 5.9. The lowest crime levels were recorded in the winter months of January and February (both 4.4), while the peak occurred in July (5.9).

This slight summer increase is typical for the region, often associated with the influx of tourists and increased outdoor activity during the warmer months. However, the figures quickly stabilised towards the end of the year, finishing at 4.8 in November. This long-term stability suggests that Wiltshire remains a consistently safe environment, with no significant emerging threats to public safety. Residents can take confidence in the fact that crime levels are both low and predictable across the county.

Wiltshire sits within a remarkably safe part of the country. When compared to its immediate neighbours, the county's crime rate of 60.2 per 1,000 is part of a wider regional trend of high safety. Similar areas such as Swindon, Test Valley, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, West Berkshire, and the Vale of White Horse all reported lower crime rates in the latest data. This suggests that the entire South West and Southern corridor is a low-crime environment. For those considering the region, Wiltshire offers a balanced profile of safe market towns and secure rural villages, holding its own against some of the most peaceful local authorities in the UK.

Protecting Your Property in Wiltshire

In a county as safe as Wiltshire, where the property crime rate is just 17.8 per 1,000 residents, it can be easy to become complacent about home security. However, the rural and suburban nature of the area can sometimes make properties targets for opportunistic thieves who rely on the seclusion of certain neighbourhoods. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or standard alarms, are reactive—they only alert you or provide evidence once a break-in has already occurred.

For those who want to ensure their home remains part of Wiltshire's safe statistics, proactive protection is the most effective choice. The scOS AI-powered security system moves beyond simple recording. By using intelligent boundary detection, scOS identifies potential intruders before they even reach your home. Its ability to autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers means that a crime is often stopped before it starts. For Wiltshire homeowners, this level of professional-grade, preventative security provides peace of mind that reactive DIY systems simply cannot match.

How To Keep Safe in Wiltshire

The most common crime category in Wiltshire is violence and sexual offences, which often occur in the context of the night-time economy in larger towns or within domestic settings. To stay safe, residents are encouraged to follow this regional advice:

When out in towns like Salisbury or Trowbridge at night, stay in groups and use well-lit pedestrian routes. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas that feel isolated.

Wiltshire’s rural roads and beauty spots can be quiet. If you are walking or cycling alone, let someone know your route and expected return time. Keep your mobile phone charged and easily accessible.

With property crime being low but present, always ensure that outbuildings, garages, and garden gates are securely locked. Opportunistic theft in rural areas often targets tools and outdoor equipment.

Engage with local Neighbourhood Watch schemes or community safety groups. Wiltshire’s low crime rate is supported by strong community ties, and staying informed about local issues is one of the best ways to prevent opportunistic crime.