Wiltshire Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For an area with a population of 523,700, Wiltshire reported 2,487 crimes in April 2024, translating to a crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 37.7% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, highlighting a consistently lower crime profile compared to national trends. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences (798 incidents, 32.1% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (560 incidents, 22.5%) and criminal damage and arson (236 incidents, 9.5%). These patterns align with Wiltshire's character as a rural district with a mix of small towns and open countryside, where community cohesion and lower population density may contribute to lower rates of violent crime. Seasonal factors in April—Easter, spring weather, and increased outdoor activity—could influence crime dynamics, though direct links. The lower share of shoplifting (8.4%) compared to the UK average (40% below) may reflect fewer retail hubs or stronger local policing in Wiltshire's market towns. Theft from the person (0.6% of total crimes) was 100% below the UK average, due to lower foot traffic in rural areas compared to urban centres. This month's statistics illustrate a crime picture shaped by geography, seasonality, and local infrastructure, with no significant spikes in any category.

April 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with three categories increasing by more than 20% compared to March. Other crime rose sharply by 62.2% (37 to 60 incidents), potentially reflecting new reporting practices or unmet demand for services. Vehicle crime increased by 28.2% (103 to 132), which may align with spring travel trends or changes in parking patterns. Shoplifting also climbed by 24.3% (169 to 210), linked to Easter shopping activity. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 50.0% (18 to 9), and bicycle theft dropped by 30.8% (13 to 9), suggesting effective local initiatives or seasonal inactivity. Violence and sexual offences remained 41% below the UK average (1.5 vs 2.6 per 1,000), while anti-social behaviour was 10% below the national rate (1.1 vs 1.2 per 1,000). The stark underperformance of theft from the person (0.6% of total crimes) compared to the UK average (100% below) may indicate lower foot traffic in Wiltshire's rural areas. These fluctuations highlight the importance of context-specific analysis, as national averages can mask local variations shaped by geography and community structure.

Wiltshire's crime rate remained stable at 4.8 per 1,000 residents in April 2024, matching the previous month's figure. This consistency contrasts with national trends, where the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000 reflects higher urban density and different crime profiles. On a daily basis, 83 crimes were reported each day in April, a figure that may seem high but is offset by the area's large population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 211 residents—a monthly ratio that contextualises the rate within Wiltshire's demographic profile. This statistic is particularly meaningful for residents, as it provides a tangible sense of risk relative to the local population. When compared to the UK average, Wiltshire's performance in categories like anti-social behaviour (10% below) and vehicle crime (36% below) underscores the influence of local factors such as lower population density and fewer urban centres. The area's rural character likely contributes to lower rates of property crime, as seen in the 38% below UK average for burglary. These comparative figures reinforce the importance of tailoring crime prevention strategies to local conditions rather than applying one-size-fits-all approaches.