Devizes Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 17,981 residents, the 110 crimes reported in Devizes during January 2025 translate to a rate of 6.1 per 1,000 people — 14.1% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This places Devizes among the safer built-up areas in England. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 41.8% of all crimes, with 46 incidents reported — a figure 4% above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour (15 incidents) and shoplifting (15 incidents) followed closely, with the latter 29% above the UK average. These figures align with the area's character as a market town with a mix of retail and residential zones, where seasonal factors in January — shorter days, post-holiday retail quiet, and reduced outdoor activity — likely contribute to the lower overall crime rate compared to the UK. However, the dominance of violent crime suggests persistent local dynamics, possibly linked to anti-social behaviour in public spaces or community tensions. The seasonal context also appears to influence property crime patterns, with shoplifting rates above the UK average despite reduced footfall, which may indicate targeted theft in specific retail areas or opportunistic crime during quieter periods.

January 2025 saw stark shifts in crime patterns compared to December, with theft from the person surging 300% (from 1 to 4 incidents) and robbery doubling (from 0 to 1 incident). This spike in personal thefts contrasts with declines in other categories: criminal damage and arson fell 61.9% (from 21 to 8 incidents), vehicle crime dropped 50% (from 4 to 2), and public order offences halved (from 14 to 7). The decrease in vehicle crime may reflect reduced traffic during the post-holiday period or improved security measures at parking areas. Meanwhile, the 4% UK average above for violence and sexual offences highlights a local challenge, potentially linked to the area's mix of residential and commercial spaces where conflicts may escalate. Anti-social behaviour remained 18% below the UK average, a trend that may be reinforced by community policing efforts or the town's character as a relatively cohesive built-up area. These changes underscore the importance of localised factors in shaping crime trends, with seasonal rhythms and specific spatial dynamics playing a clear role in the month's outcomes.

The crime rate in Devizes dropped 24.6% from December 2024 (8.1 per 1,000) to January 2025 (6.1 per 1,000), reflecting a significant shift over just one month. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 4 crimes per day — a figure that, while relatively low, remains a tangible presence for residents. Over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 163 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while below the UK average (which would be calculated if available), illustrates the local impact of crime. When scaled to the population of 17,981, the 110 crimes represent a manageable but non-trivial burden for a built-up area within Wiltshire. The decline from December may be attributed to seasonal factors, with colder weather and shorter daylight hours reducing opportunities for outdoor crimes. However, the persistence of violent crime and the surge in personal thefts suggest that localised challenges — such as targeted crimes in specific areas or ongoing community issues — require continued attention. These figures, when contextualised against the area's size and character, provide a nuanced picture of safety that balances overall improvements with specific risks.