Malmesbury Crime Rate

About Malmesbury

Malmesbury records an overall crime rate of 45.0 per 1,000 people per year, placing it significantly below the UK national average of 93.1 per 1,000. The town boasts an excellent safety score of 89 out of 100, notably higher than the UK average of 78, reflecting a very secure environment. Over the last year, Malmesbury has experienced a stable crime trend, with a minor decrease of 1.6% year-over-year. These figures provide a clear overview of the current crime landscape within this urban settlement.

Crime Breakdown in Malmesbury

An examination of crime types in Malmesbury reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most common, accounting for 38.9% of all crimes, at a rate of 17.5 per 1,000 people. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most prevalent, representing 20.1% of offences (9.1 per 1,000), with Criminal damage and arson ranking third at 7.9% (3.5 per 1,000). These three categories collectively highlight key areas of criminal activity within the town.

Property-related crime in Malmesbury, which includes incidents such as burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 13.1 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9 per 1,000. Specific figures show burglary at 1.2 per 1,000, vehicle crime at 2.2 per 1,000, and other theft at 2.5 per 1,000. Shoplifting also contributes significantly to this category. For residents and homeowners, these statistics suggest a comparatively very low risk of property-related offences, although general vigilance remains a sensible precaution.

Crime Trends in Malmesbury

Malmesbury has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a minor decrease of 1.6% year-over-year. This indicates a consistent and generally stable crime situation. Monthly data shows the crime rate per 1,000 people starting at 4.2 in November 2024 and generally fluctuating. After a dip to 1.7 in February 2025, rates varied, with a peak of 5.6 in July before settling at 3.7 in October. These patterns suggest that while there are minor month-to-month variations, potentially influenced by seasonal factors, the overall trend for Malmesbury points to a stable crime environment for its residents.

How To Keep Safe in Malmesbury

With Violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent crime type in Malmesbury, focusing on personal safety and awareness is key for residents. While the town's overall safety score is excellent, being aware of potential risks can further enhance security.

1. Be alert in social settings: When out and about, especially in pubs or clubs, be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption that might impair your judgement.
2. Secure your personal space: If you are at home, ensure your doors and windows are locked, even if you are just stepping out for a short time. Good home security is a deterrent.
3. Travel with care: If you are walking alone at night, stick to well-lit and familiar routes. Consider carrying a personal safety alarm for emergencies.
4. Trust your instincts: If a situation or person makes you feel uneasy, remove yourself from the situation. Reporting suspicious behaviour to the police can help keep the community safe.

Crime Time Patterns in Malmesbury

Crime in Malmesbury exhibits specific patterns throughout the day and week, reflecting typical urban dynamics. Generally, the early morning hours (12 am - 5 am) show the lowest crime intensity, with activity gradually increasing as the town awakens. During morning commutes and business hours, crime rates rise to a moderate level, becoming more apparent by mid-morning.

The afternoon period (12 pm - 5 pm) often experiences heightened crime activity, correlating with increased foot traffic in commercial areas and properties being left unattended. Evenings (6 pm - 11 pm) tend to represent a peak for certain types of offences, especially those associated with social gatherings and nightlife, before gradually subsiding in the late hours. Weekends, particularly Friday and Saturday evenings, typically show the highest overall crime intensity. These trends provide valuable insights for residents to adapt their security measures and personal awareness throughout the day and week.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, Malmesbury's crime rate of 45.0 per 1,000 people can be compared with neighbouring areas. Lea (Wiltshire), Corston (Wiltshire), and Crudwell are all listed with a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people per year, which may reflect different data collection or reporting methodologies, or genuinely very low incident levels in these smaller settlements. Great Somerford reports a crime rate of 22.7 per 1,000 people per year, which is lower than Malmesbury's. This comparison highlights that while Malmesbury's crime rate is considerably lower than the national average, some of its immediate, more rural neighbours experience even fewer reported crimes.

Proactive Home Security in Malmesbury

With Malmesbury recording a low property crime rate of 13.1 per 1,000 people, residents can significantly enhance their safety with robust home security. While traditional CCTV systems often provide valuable footage after an incident, they don't prevent the initial intrusion. For genuine peace of mind and proactive protection, advanced security solutions are highly effective.

scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, is designed to prevent crime before it happens. Its core strength lies in proactive detection at the property boundary, identifying threats before an intruder can gain entry. Unlike basic cameras, scOS utilises multi-camera intelligence to monitor all areas simultaneously, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It also incorporates DVLA vehicle verification, instantly catching fake plates, and learns your family's routines to only alert on genuine threats. Should an intrusion attempt occur, scOS provides an autonomous response, activating lights and engaging speakers to eliminate the element of surprise and deter the offender. This proactive deterrence is crucial, as most burglars decide whether to proceed within 60 seconds. Professional-grade security like scOS offers a significant advantage over reactive systems, ensuring your Malmesbury home is protected proactively.