Downton Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Downton, Wiltshire, reveal a crime rate of 44.5 per 1,000 residents over the period of January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating a relatively safer environment compared to the national picture. However, it’s important to consider that Downton’s small population of 1415 means that even a small number of incidents can significantly impact the crime rate per capita. The safety score of 89 out of 100 further reinforces Downton’s position as a relatively safe area. This page provides a breakdown of crime types, trends, and practical safety advice to help residents understand and address any concerns.

The crime landscape in Downton is shaped by its close-knit community and rural setting. While the overall crime rate is influenced by factors such as population density and local economic conditions, specific incidents often reflect the challenges of maintaining safety in a village environment. The prevalence of violence and sexual offences, accounting for 41.3% of recorded crimes, is a cause for concern, though the exact nature of these incidents requires further investigation. Criminal damage and arson, at 17.5%, suggests a potential issue with antisocial behaviour or targeted vandalism. The presence of anti-social behaviour (14.3%) also contributes to the overall crime picture, often linked to gatherings and a lack of structured activities for younger residents. Other forms of theft, including vehicle crime, highlight vulnerabilities within the community, while public order offences and burglaries, although less frequent, remain a concern for residents’ sense of security.

Crime in Downton has been steadily decreasing over the period from January 2025 to December 2025, with an overall reduction of 10.0% year-on-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with January and July experiencing higher crime rates (7.1 per 1,000/month), while February, October, November, and December consistently recorded significantly lower rates (1.4 per 1,000/month). This decreasing trend suggests improved community safety initiatives or a period of reduced opportunity for criminal activity. However, continued vigilance and proactive measures remain essential to sustain this positive trend.

How To Keep Safe in Downton

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster community vigilance. Due to the frequency of criminal damage and arson, ensure your property is well-lit and secure, and report any suspicious activity promptly. Vehicle crime is also a concern; always lock your vehicle and remove valuables from view. Finally, be mindful of anti-social behaviour and report any incidents to the authorities, contributing to a safer environment for everyone in Downton.

Crime in Downton doesn't show distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglary is marginally more prevalent in the afternoon, while theft is most common during commercial hours. Vehicle crime is slightly elevated overnight, particularly between 11pm and 6am. Violence and public order offences are more likely to occur in the evening, with a higher concentration between 6pm and 12am, particularly on weekends.

Compared to similar areas, Downton's crime rate varies considerably. Redlynch and Woodfalls exhibits a crime rate of 24.8 per 1,000, while Lover and Breamore report significantly lower rates of 0.0 per 1,000. Woodgreen, with a rate of 28.1 per 1,000, demonstrates a closer comparison to Downton. These variations highlight the localised nature of crime and the influence of specific community factors.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a record of events, but often after the incident has occurred. In Downton, where proactive security can make a significant difference, consider an approach that prevents crime before it happens. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, uses multi-camera intelligence to watch your property boundary, verifying visitors and vehicles against a database of known threats, including DVLA vehicle verification. The system learns your family’s routines and only alerts you to genuine threats, providing an element of surprise for potential intruders. Downton’s crime statistics highlight the importance of preventative measures; scOS’s visible presence can deter opportunistic criminals, making that crucial 60-second decision for a burglar to move on.