Downton Crime Rate

Downton is a safe and well-regarded urban settlement in Wiltshire, featuring an overall crime rate of 43.8 per 1,000 people. This is less than half the UK average of 91.7, resulting in a strong safety score of 89/100. The area's security profile is improving, with a 7.5% year-over-year decrease in total crime. Property crime in Downton is particularly low at 16.2 per 1,000, which is roughly half the national average of 32.3. While violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, the actual volume of incidents remains low, contributing to the village's reputation as a secure place to live. The following sections provide a deeper dive into the crime breakdown and time-based patterns in Downton.

Crime Breakdown in Downton

In Downton, the crime statistics are dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 43.5% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 16.1% and criminal damage and arson at 14.5%. These three categories represent the vast majority of local police activity.

When focusing on property-related crime—including burglary, robbery, theft, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, and vehicle crime—the rate in Downton is 16.2 per 1,000 people. This is roughly half the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. While burglary itself is relatively low at 2.1 per 1,000 (just 4.8% of total crime), other forms of theft and criminal damage are more prevalent. For residents, this indicates that while the risk of home invasion is low, the protection of external property and vehicles remains a relevant concern. The high percentage of violence and sexual offences, while common in many areas, suggests that personal safety awareness is just as important as property security.

Crime Trends in Downton

The crime trend in Downton is moving in a positive direction, with a 7.5% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. This consistent reduction is a strong indicator of the area's overall safety. Monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows a generally low level of activity, with the crime rate typically staying below 5.0 per 1,000 people.

The safest months were February, August, October, and November 2025, all recording a very low rate of 1.4 per 1,000. There were occasional spikes, most notably in January and July 2025, where the rate reached 7.1. These fluctuations are common in smaller settlements where even a few incidents can impact the monthly statistics. However, the overall trend remains downward, and the low rates seen at the end of 2025 suggest that Downton is maintaining its high safety standards. For residents, this provides long-term confidence in the security of their community.

How To Keep Safe in Downton

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Downton, accounting for 43.5% of reports. While the village is generally very safe, taking proactive steps can further enhance your personal security.

• Be mindful of your surroundings when walking through the village at night, especially in less populated areas, and try to stay on well-lit paths.
• Ensure that your home's exterior is well-maintained and lit; a well-lit property is a simple but highly effective deterrent for various types of crime.
• Always lock your vehicle and remove any valuables from sight, as vehicle crime accounts for 6.5% of local incidents and is often opportunistic.
• If you witness any anti-social behaviour, report it to the local authorities to help maintain the village's high safety score and community standards.
• Consider installing a smart security system that can alert you to activity on your property in real-time, providing an extra layer of peace of mind.

Crime in Downton exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day, particularly concerning property and vehicle offences. Theft-related crimes are most prevalent during the morning and afternoon, with theft accounting for 50% of afternoon incidents. This is a common trend where intruders target properties when residents are likely away at work.

As the day progresses into the evening, the crime profile shifts toward anti-social behaviour and 'other' offences, which make up 52% of evening activity. Night-time (12am-6am) is the most critical period for vehicle security, as vehicle crime peaks at 32% of the period's total. Burglary also remains a risk during the night, accounting for 20% of incidents. This data suggests that while Downton is generally safe, the risks vary significantly by hour, with property theft being a daytime concern and vehicle security being a night-time priority.

In the local Wiltshire context, Downton is a very safe choice. It has an overall crime rate of 43.8 per 1,000 people, which is higher than nearby Redlynch and Woodfalls (25.5) and Woodgreen (23.7), but still very low by national standards. Areas like Lover and Breamore recorded no crime (0.0), which is typical for very small rural hamlets. Downton serves as a larger residential hub for the area, and its safety score of 89/100 confirms that it remains a highly secure environment for those who want a mix of village life with excellent local safety metrics.

Downton's property crime rate of 16.2 per 1,000 is significantly lower than the UK average, but the presence of vehicle crime and burglary means that homeowners should still prioritise effective security. The problem with traditional security systems—like DIY cameras or basic alarms—is that they are fundamentally reactive. They alert you once a sensor is tripped or record footage of an intruder who has already entered your property.

Proactive protection, such as the scOS AI-powered operating system, is designed to stop crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence to watch your property boundaries, scOS can detect a threat the moment someone steps onto your land. The system doesn't just wait for you to check your phone; it can autonomously respond by activating lights and audio warnings to destroy the element of surprise. This professional-grade deterrence is often enough to make an intruder move on within 60 seconds. In a village like Downton, where the goal is to prevent the occasional opportunistic crime, shifting from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to secure your home.