Devizes Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2024, Devizes’ crime rate stood at 8.1 per 1,000 residents, placing the built-up area 14.1% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This figure translates to a daily risk of roughly five crimes reported across the community of 17,981 people, a rate that, while modest, is higher than the national benchmark. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (46 incidents, 31.5% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (29 incidents, 19.9%) and criminal damage and arson (21 incidents, 14.4%). These patterns are consistent with the seasonal context of December, a month marked by heightened activity in retail and social spaces, as well as the logistical challenges of dark evenings and holiday-related absences. Violence and sexual offences, which occurred at a rate of 2.6 per 1,000—just 2% above the UK average—suggest a balance between local and national trends. However, the starkly higher rates of anti-social behaviour (70% above UK average) and criminal damage (126% above) point to specific local dynamics. These could include the influence of the town’s built-up character, where public spaces may be more prone to disturbances, or the impact of festive events that draw crowds and disrupt routine patterns. The relatively low rates of vehicle crime (50% below UK average) and burglary (68% below) may reflect the area’s lower population density and fewer commercial properties compared to larger urban centres. Overall, the data illustrates a combination of seasonal pressures and the area’s unique social and geographic profile, offering residents a clearer picture of their personal risk while highlighting the need for targeted community responses.

December 2024 saw sharp increases in certain crime categories, with other crime, other theft, and theft from the person all doubling from zero to two incidents each. This surge, while small in absolute terms, reflects a notable shift in the types of crimes reported. Meanwhile, categories such as burglary and drugs fell below UK averages by 68% and 26% respectively, suggesting a relative decline in these areas. Anti-social behaviour, however, remained strikingly elevated, with a rate 70% above the UK average. The seasonal context of December—marked by Christmas shopping, extended dark evenings, and empty homes during the holiday period—may partly explain these patterns. For instance, the spike in anti-social behaviour could be linked to increased social gatherings and alcohol-related incidents during the festive season. Residents may find the 100% increase in theft from the person particularly relevant, as it underscores the need for vigilance during crowded shopping periods.

Devizes’ crime rate in December 2024 rose slightly to 8.1 per 1,000 residents from 7.9 per 1,000 in November, marking a 2.8% increase. This translates to roughly five crimes reported each day in the built-up area, a figure that underscores the local frequency of incidents despite the area’s relatively small population of 17,981. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 123 residents, a monthly exposure that provides context for residents assessing their personal risk. While some categories, such as burglary and vehicle crime, fell below UK averages, the rise in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage highlights a shift in the crime mix. This contrast between local trends and national benchmarks suggests that specific local factors—such as seasonal patterns or community dynamics—play a role in shaping the area’s crime profile. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that, while the overall rate is above the UK average, the distribution of crime types varies significantly, offering a nuanced view of risk that differs from the national picture.