Amesbury Crime Rate

Amesbury’s crime rate of 65.1 per 1,000 residents is 28.6% below the UK average, making it one of the safer areas in Wiltshire. Despite this, theft from the person has surged by 200% YoY, highlighting a sharp but still low-level increase in targeted crimes. The area’s stability and below-average property crime rates—50.8% lower than the UK average—suggest a generally secure environment, though recent trends warrant closer attention.

Amesbury is a historic built-up area in Wiltshire, known for its mix of residential, commercial, and tourism-related activity. Its proximity to Stonehenge and other attractions brings seasonal fluctuations in foot traffic, which may influence local crime patterns. The area’s character as a commuter hub and its blend of urban and semi-rural environments create distinct opportunities for property crime and anti-social behaviour, while its lower population density compared to major cities may contribute to lower overall rates.

Amesbury’s most notable crime type is violence and sexual offences, which account for 42.2% of all crimes and remain 15% below the UK average. This may reflect the area’s mix of public spaces and local amenities, though the 11% year-on-year increase suggests heightened tensions in specific locations, such as pubs or parks. Anti-social behaviour, at 13.2 per 1,000, is 11% below the UK average, likely influenced by the community’s smaller scale and local policing efforts. Surprisingly, theft from the person—though still 88% below the UK average—has surged by 200% YoY. This could be linked to increased visitor numbers during peak tourism seasons, where crowded spaces create opportunities for opportunistic theft.

Crime in Amesbury has remained stable (-0.4% YoY) over the past year, with no significant overall rise or fall. However, theft from the person has surged by 200% YoY, likely due to seasonal tourism or increased foot traffic in public spaces. Violence and sexual offences have risen by 11% YoY, though they remain 15% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour has decreased by 10%, possibly reflecting community efforts or police interventions. Property crime remains 50.8% below the UK average, with burglary and vehicle crime both showing declines.

How To Keep Safe in Amesbury

Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas after dark, as vehicle crime peaks between 12am–6am. Secure vehicles with alarms and avoid leaving valuables visible. Theft from the person has surged by 200% YoY, so use anti-theft bags in crowded places like the town centre. Report anti-social behaviour promptly, as it remains 11% below the UK average but can escalate if unaddressed.

Crime in Amesbury shows clear patterns tied to daily rhythms. Theft peaks in the afternoon (47% of incidents between 12pm–6pm), likely due to retail activity and public spaces. Vehicle crime rises sharply at night (29% of incidents between 12am–6am), aligning with darker hours and fewer witnesses. Burglary occurs most frequently in the evening (9% of incidents between 6pm–12am), possibly linked to homes left unoccupied during the day. Other crimes, such as criminal damage, spike late at night, suggesting targeted or alcohol-related incidents. These patterns reflect the area’s mix of residential and commercial zones, with weekends showing higher activity due to tourism and nightlife.

Amesbury’s crime rate is 283% higher than Porton (17.0 per 1,000) and 84% higher than Bulford (35.4 per 1,000). Porton’s low rate may reflect its smaller population and less commercial activity, while Bulford’s higher rate could be linked to its proximity to transport hubs or mixed-use development.

For residents in Amesbury, scOS’s DVLA vehicle registration verification can help prevent vehicle crime, which, while low, has seen spikes at night. Proactive boundary detection and real-time monitoring can deter burglars, given that burglary rates remain 70% below the UK average. Automated lighting and speaker systems, tailored to the area’s night-time crime patterns, can further discourage opportunistic theft.