Devizes Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In August 2025, Devizes recorded a crime rate of 9.0 per 1,000 residents, marking an 11.1% increase above the UK average of 8.1. This figure underscores a notable shift in the local crime profile, where violent crimes—specifically violence and sexual offences (57 incidents)—outpaced property crimes (41 incidents). The dominance of violent crime in this built-up area of Wiltshire, compared to property-related offences, may partly reflect seasonal dynamics. August, as a peak holiday month, could see increased foot traffic and social interactions in public spaces, contributing to higher rates of violence and anti-social behaviour. The breakdown reveals that anti-social behaviour (41 incidents) and criminal damage and arson (18 incidents) followed closely, suggesting a pattern of disturbances that may be linked to the area’s character as a historic town with a mix of residential and commercial zones. The seasonal context of August—marked by tourism, school holidays, and the potential for empty homes—could also heighten risks for burglary, though the overall burglary rate (3 incidents) remained below the UK average. This interplay between local factors and broader seasonal trends highlights the need to contextualise crime data beyond raw numbers. The relatively high proportion of violent crime compared to property crime may indicate underlying social dynamics, such as the influence of transient populations or the impact of local events on public order. These findings invite further consideration of how community engagement and policing strategies might be tailored to address the specific challenges posed by this crime profile during high-traffic periods.

August 2025 saw a 50.0% increase in vehicle crime (from 2 to 3 incidents) and a 50.0% rise in burglary (from 2 to 3 incidents), suggesting potential shifts in criminal activity linked to August’s seasonal patterns. Conversely, theft from the person dropped by 66.7% (from 3 to 1 incident), possibly reflecting heightened awareness or targeted policing efforts during the month. The balance between property and violent crime remains skewed: while property crimes accounted for 25.3% of total incidents (anti-social behaviour being the most common), violent crimes—particularly violence and sexual offences—dominated at 35.2% of all reported crimes, a figure 11% above the UK average. This contrast may indicate a localised pressure on community safety, with anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson also significantly exceeding national averages. For instance, anti-social behaviour in Devizes was 58% above the UK average, a statistic that could prompt residents to consider how public spaces are managed during peak periods. The sharp rise in bicycle theft (100.0%) is a striking anomaly, though it may be attributable to increased cycling during warmer weather or the presence of transient populations. These fluctuations highlight the importance of tracking month-on-month changes to identify emerging patterns that could inform targeted interventions.

Devizes’ crime rate in August 2025 (9.0 per 1,000) was a 4.7% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 9.5 per 1,000, indicating a modest but notable downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 5 crimes per day, a figure that, while seemingly low, reflects the concentrated nature of reported incidents in specific categories. Over the course of the month, 1 crime occurred for every 111 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, when contextualised against the local population of 17,981, suggests that the majority of residents remain unaffected by crime. However, this aggregate figure masks significant variations in crime type, with violence and sexual offences being 11% above the UK average and anti-social behaviour 58% above. These disparities underscore the need to interpret crime statistics with nuance, as the overall rate may not fully capture the lived experience of residents in high-risk categories. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that, despite the 11.1% increase above the UK average, Devizes’ total crime count (162 incidents) remains within a range that could be managed through community-focused initiatives. Comparing these figures to the UK average highlights both areas of concern—such as the elevated rates of anti-social behaviour—and opportunities for benchmarking improvements in local policing and public safety strategies.