Devizes Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

The most striking development in Devizes' February 2026 crime statistics was the 300% surge in possession of weapons, a category that rose from 1 to 4 cases. This unexpected spike in a typically low-risk category challenges assumptions about local crime patterns and may reflect broader societal shifts or specific incidents. The area's overall crime rate of 7.3 per 1,000 residents places it 14.1% above the UK average, a position driven by elevated rates in several categories. Violence and sexual offences, at 2.7 per 1,000 residents, are 16% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (1.3 per 1,000) is 43% above the national figure. These disparities may be linked to the area's character as a market town with a mix of urban and rural elements, where social interactions in public spaces could contribute to higher anti-social behaviour rates. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—may partially explain lower burglary rates. Criminal damage and arson (0.8 per 1,000) are 74% above the UK average, suggesting vulnerabilities in property maintenance or enforcement. The data also reveals a paradox: while violent crime dominates, property crimes (39 total) are relatively low compared to the 48 violent incidents, a balance that may reflect local demographics or policing focus. This complex picture requires careful interpretation, as the interplay of seasonal factors, community dynamics, and enforcement strategies likely shapes these outcomes.

February 2026 saw a dramatic 300% increase in possession of weapons, rising from 1 to 4 cases. This jump, though small in absolute terms, is striking given the typically low incidence of such offences in the area. Concurrently, drug-related crimes rose by 33.3%, and 'other crime' also increased by the same margin, suggesting a possible shift in criminal activity patterns. These increases contrast with notable decreases: burglary fell by 50%, anti-social behaviour dropped by 33.3%, and public order offences declined by 27.3%. The overall crime mix remains heavily skewed toward violent crime, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 36.6% of all incidents—16% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, at 18.3% of total crimes, is 43% above the UK norm, a disparity that may reflect local social dynamics or policing priorities. For residents, the 5 crimes per day figure offers a concrete benchmark for understanding local crime frequency.

Devizes' crime rate in February 2026 fell by 16.5% compared to the previous month, dropping from 8.7 to 7.3 per 1,000 residents. This decline contrasts with the area's overall position above the UK average, highlighting a short-term trend despite persistent challenges. Locally, 5 crimes were reported per day on average, a figure that provides residents with a tangible sense of daily risk. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 137 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents relative to the population. With a population of 17,981, this translates to a relatively high level of interaction with the criminal justice system compared to similar-sized communities. The drop in anti-social behaviour and burglary rates may reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced outdoor activity during winter. The decrease in public order offences could also indicate improved community engagement or police presence, though no definitive causal link is established.