Amesbury Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In November 2023, Amesbury, a built-up area within Wiltshire, recorded 80 crimes across its population of 14,525 residents, translating to a crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 people—26.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This relatively low rate reflects a combination of local factors, including the area's smaller scale and potentially lower population density compared to larger urban centres. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (31 cases, 38.8% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (22 cases, 27.5%). These figures suggest that interpersonal conflicts and disorderly conduct remain significant challenges, even as the area's overall crime profile remains below the national benchmark. Seasonal influences in November, such as the darker evenings associated with Bonfire Night and the consumer activity of Black Friday, may have contributed to the spike in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, though these trends were offset by declines in other categories. The lower rate of property crimes compared to the UK average—particularly in categories like burglary (1 case, 1.3% of total) and vehicle crime (2 cases, 2.5% of total)—could be attributed to the area's character as a smaller, more closely-knit community where informal social controls may deter certain types of criminal activity. However, the persistent presence of violence and sexual offences highlights the need for targeted interventions in this category, which remains high relative to the UK average for this type of crime.

November 2023 saw sharp increases in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, with shoplifting rising 100% from zero to nine incidents and anti-social behaviour climbing 22.2% to 22 cases. These spikes contrast with notable declines in burglary (-80%) and public order offences (-69.2%), suggesting shifting patterns in criminal activity. The rise in shoplifting aligns with the timing of Black Friday, a period when retail areas often see heightened theft activity. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour's increase may reflect the impact of darker evenings and seasonal gatherings, though local enforcement efforts could have mitigated more severe incidents. Violent crimes, however, remained the most prevalent category at 31 incidents, accounting for 38.8% of total crimes—19% below the UK average for this category. This disparity highlights Amesbury's distinct profile compared to the national picture, where violent crime rates are generally higher. For residents, the 100% surge in shoplifting underscores the need for vigilance during peak retail periods, even as other crime types show encouraging reductions.

Amesbury's November 2023 crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 residents marks a 6.9% decline from the previous month's rate of 5.9 per 1,000. This downward trend aligns with the 26.7% gap between Amesbury's rate and the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately three crimes per day in November, a figure that, while modest, reflects local patterns distinct from national averages. When scaled to population size, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 182 residents over the course of the month. This ratio provides context for residents: in a community of 14,525 people, the likelihood of encountering a crime is lower than the UK average, though localized factors such as seasonal events and community dynamics play a role in shaping this statistic. The shift from October to November also highlights the influence of November-specific activities, such as Black Friday shopping and Bonfire Night, which may temporarily elevate or suppress certain crime types depending on local enforcement and community engagement.