Melksham Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Melksham’s November 2023 crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000 residents places it 20% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, a consistent trend reflecting the area’s generally lower crime profile. The breakdown reveals violence and sexual offences (32 incidents) as the most common category, accounting for 29.1% of total crimes — 34% below the UK average. Shoplifting follows with 24 incidents (21.8% of total crimes), a rate 136% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This discrepancy may be linked to Melksham’s retail presence and the timing of Black Friday, which often drives spikes in theft-related offences. Anti-social behaviour (18 incidents) and public order offences (8 incidents) also feature prominently. Seasonal factors such as Bonfire Night and the transition to shorter days may have influenced patterns, with public order incidents doubling compared to October. The area’s crime picture, while showing a 13.5% month-on-month increase, remains characterised by a balance between property and violent crime, with property offences (47 incidents) slightly outnumbering violent crimes (32 incidents). This suggests that local economic activity and community dynamics, such as the presence of retail hubs and seasonal shopping events, play a role in shaping crime trends. The relatively low rate of vehicle crime (4 incidents, 60% below the UK average) may reflect the area’s rural character and lower density of car parks compared to urban centres. Overall, Melksham’s crime profile aligns with its status as a built-up area within Wiltshire, where crime rates are typically lower than the national average but not immune to seasonal fluctuations.

November 2023 saw three crime categories more than double compared to October: shoplifting (12 → 24), public order offences (4 → 8), and bicycle theft (0 → 3). This surge in shoplifting, now at 24 incidents, places the category 136% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000 — a stark contrast to the 29.1% share of total crimes in Melksham. Bicycle theft, which had not been reported in October, rose to 3 incidents, a 150% increase over the UK average. Meanwhile, burglary and criminal damage and arson both declined — burglary fell by 40% (5 → 3), and criminal damage dropped 25% (12 → 9). These shifts align with seasonal factors, including the timing of Black Friday shopping and the onset of darker evenings, which may have influenced retail and outdoor activity patterns. For residents, the spike in shoplifting underscores the need for vigilance during high-footfall periods.

Melksham’s November 2023 crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000 residents marked a 13.5% increase from October’s 5.3 per 1,000, though it remains 20% below the UK average. This rise, while notable, is tempered by the area’s consistently lower-than-average crime profile. Locally, 110 crimes were recorded over 30 days — an average of four crimes per day. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 167 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for residents. When compared to the previous month, the shift in crime patterns may reflect seasonal factors, such as the timing of Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping, which often correlate with spikes in property-related offences. The population-scaled perspective highlights that, despite the increase, Melksham’s crime rate remains significantly lower than the national average, reinforcing its position as a relatively safe built-up area within Wiltshire.