The question of how Devizes’ level of violent crime compares to other towns in Wiltshire is one that many residents understandably ask. Based on available data, Devizes, a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 17,981, exhibits a crime rate of 95.4 incidents per 1,000 residents. This figure is marginally higher than the United Kingdom’s average crime rate, which stands at 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents.
It's important to understand that a crime rate is a statistical representation and doesn’t necessarily indicate a higher level of danger than other areas. It reflects the number of reported crimes relative to the population size. Comparing this to the UK average, Devizes’ crime rate suggests a slightly increased risk of experiencing crime.
Interestingly, Devizes’ safety score is 79 out of 100, which is identical to the UK average. A safety score considers factors beyond just reported crime, often including perceptions of safety, levels of policing, and community engagement. The consistent safety score alongside a slightly higher crime rate suggests that while crime is being reported, residents may not necessarily feel significantly less safe than the national average.
Without specific data comparing Devizes to other Wiltshire towns, it's difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, the crime rate of 95.4 per 1,000 residents provides a benchmark against which other Wiltshire towns can be assessed when such data becomes available. It’s crucial to remember that these statistics represent reported crimes and may not fully reflect the overall safety of the area. Further investigation into the types of crimes reported in Devizes would provide a more nuanced understanding of the situation.