Wiltshire Crime Rate March 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Wiltshire, 4.9 crimes were reported in March 2023, a figure that is 35.5% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This relatively low rate translates to a daily risk of approximately one crime occurring for every 205 residents over the course of the month. The area’s crime profile shows a distinct mix of offences, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 35.1% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (20.2%) and criminal damage and arson (9.6%). These figures align with Wiltshire’s character as a largely rural district with a dispersed population, where community-focused policing and lower population density may contribute to reduced rates of property crime compared to urban centres. Seasonal factors in March—such as longer evenings and the transition to spring—could influence patterns of public order offences. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Wiltshire (1.7 per 1,000) is 38% below the UK average, suggesting a combination of local initiatives and demographic factors that may temper more severe crime. However, the higher-than-average rate of possession of weapons (43% above UK levels) raises questions about specific local dynamics that require further exploration.

March 2023 saw a significant divergence in Wiltshire’s crime types compared to the UK average, with several categories far below the national norm. Violence and sexual offences, while still the most common category (35.1% of total crimes), occurred at a rate 38% lower than the UK average. Similarly, anti-social behaviour (1.0 per 1,000) was 4% below the UK figure, and public order offences (0.3 per 1,000) were 53% below. These disparities may reflect the area’s rural nature, where community cohesion and limited nightlife reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. Conversely, possession of weapons (0.1 per 1,000) was 43% above the UK average, a figure that stands out as a potential red flag for local authorities. The breakdown also shows that theft from the person (0.0 per 1,000) and bicycle theft (0.0 per 1,000) were both 100% below the UK average, possibly due to lower foot traffic and fewer tourist areas compared to urban centres. Residents might find the 35.1% share of violence and sexual offences particularly notable, as it highlights the need for targeted interventions in this category despite the overall low crime rate.

In March 2023, Wiltshire’s crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents translated to roughly 82 crimes reported each day, a figure that is significantly lower than the UK average. When scaled to the population of 523,700, this means that over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 205 residents—a statistic that contextualises the risk in everyday terms. The daily crime count, while seemingly high in absolute terms, is proportionally lower in Wiltshire due to its smaller population compared to densely populated urban areas. The monthly exposure rate of 1-in-205 residents underscores that the likelihood of experiencing a crime in Wiltshire remains relatively low compared to the UK as a whole. This is reinforced by the fact that multiple crime categories—such as shoplifting (39% below UK average) and vehicle crime (38% below)—are far less prevalent here, likely reflecting the area’s lower population density and reduced opportunities for certain types of offences. However, the elevated rate of weapon possession highlights a unique local challenge that may warrant further investigation into patterns of illegal activity and community safety measures.