Wiltshire Crime Rate

Wiltshire recorded a crime rate of 60.7 per 1,000 residents over the past 12 months, placing it 33.3% below the UK average. This very safe county combines rural tranquility with historic market towns, though areas like Salisbury and Warminster see higher crime rates due to their urban character. The fastest-growing crime type is possession of weapons, which has increased by 22.2% YoY, despite remaining 49% below the national average. Wiltshire's low population density and strong community networks contribute to its overall safety profile.

Wiltshire's low crime rate is shaped by its mix of rural tranquility and historic market towns. As a county with a strong rural character, areas like Minety and Porton benefit from sparse population density, reducing opportunities for property crime. However, towns such as Salisbury and Warminster, with their higher population densities and tourism sectors, experience relatively higher crime rates. The presence of historic sites and tourist attractions in areas like Malmesbury and Devizes may contribute to theft from the person and anti-social behaviour, though these remain well below UK averages. Wiltshire's commuter belt suburbs, such as Chippenham and Trowbridge, see moderate crime rates due to daily traffic and retail activity, but the overall low population density and strong community networks likely contribute to the county's very safe profile.

The most surprising finding is the 22.2% year-on-year increase in possession of weapons, despite remaining 49% below the UK average. This could reflect heightened awareness or reporting in areas with more rural isolation, where incidents may go unnoticed. Violence and sexual offences. YoY, are still 29% below the UK average. This may relate to Wiltshire's rural nature, where such crimes are less common but can occur in isolated locations. Anti-social behaviour remains 19% below the UK average, likely due to the county's tight-knit communities and lower urban density. Property crime is 43.6% below the UK average, with vehicle crime down 19.8% YoY, due to fewer commuter parking zones compared to urban areas. The low rates of bicycle theft (41% below UK average) align with Wiltshire's limited cycling infrastructure, while the very low theft from the person rate (84% below UK average) reflects the county's generally safe environment.

Crime rates in Wiltshire have shown a stable 2.5% increase year-over-year, with the most notable change being a 22.2% rise in possession of weapons, despite remaining 49% below the UK average. This increase may be attributed to heightened awareness or reporting in rural areas with limited policing presence. Violence and sexual offences rose by 9.4% YoY, likely due to seasonal factors such as increased tourism in summer months. Anti-social behaviour remained stable, while property crime decreased by 19.8% YoY, possibly due to fewer commuter parking zones compared to urban areas. Monthly trends peak in July, aligning with increased tourism and longer evenings, but overall crime remains well below national levels.

Compared to nearby areas, Wiltshire's crime rate is 12% lower than Vale of White Horse and 39% lower than Swindon. However, it is 25% lower than South Gloucestershire and 10% lower than West Berkshire. The highest crime rates within Wiltshire are in Salisbury (73% higher than the county average) and Devizes (64% higher), while the safest areas are Minety and Porton, with crime rates 374% and 270% lower than the county average, respectively.

Home security in Wiltshire should focus on property crime prevention, given the county's low but present rates of theft and vehicle crime. Installing motion sensors and CCTV in rural areas can deter opportunistic crimes. For urban areas like Salisbury, securing vehicles with alarms and tracking devices is advisable. The rise in possession of weapons suggests vigilance in isolated locations, though this remains far below national levels. Community engagement and local policing initiatives in Wiltshire's market towns have historically contributed to its low crime rates.

How To Keep Safe in Wiltshire

Here are practical tips for residents: Secure vehicles in rural areas with alarms and tracking devices to counter vehicle crime, which, while lower than urban areas, still occurs. In historic towns like Malmesbury, be mindful of anti-social behaviour by avoiding isolated walks at night. For families, ensure homes have robust locks and outdoor lighting, especially in areas near tourist attractions. Given the 22.2% YoY increase in possession of weapons, report any suspicious activity to local authorities promptly. Overall, Wiltshire's low crime rate means most residents can maintain normal routines with minimal additional precautions.