Melksham Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Melksham's crime rate in November 2025 stood at 5.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 27.4% below the UK average of 7.3. This continued performance as a relatively safe area is notable, given its status as a built-up area within Wiltshire, a county often characterised by a mix of rural and small-town environments. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 43.3% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.5%) and criminal damage and arson (10.3%). These patterns suggest that interpersonal conflicts and public disorder remain key challenges, though the area's overall crime profile remains significantly better than the national average. Seasonal factors in November, such as the timing of Bonfire Night and the onset of darker evenings, likely contribute to the persistent presence of violent crime. However, the data also indicates that the area is not entirely free from seasonal fluctuations, as evidenced by the 2.1% increase in the overall crime rate compared to October 2025. This rise, while small, may be partly explained by the transition into the winter season, which historically correlates with higher crime rates in some regions. The relatively low levels of property crime—such as shoplifting (5.2% of total crimes) and vehicle crime (3.1%)—suggest that local initiatives targeting retail theft and vehicle security may be having some impact. However, the sharp increase in vehicle crime, which tripled from 1 to 3 incidents, highlights the need for ongoing vigilance. The area's performance in reducing drug-related offences by 66.7% compared to the previous month is particularly encouraging, though this may be influenced by temporary factors rather than long-term trends. Overall, Melksham's crime picture in November 2025 illustrates a balance between consistent safety improvements and the challenges posed by seasonal and situational factors.

November 2025 saw a 200% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 1 to 3 incidents. This sharp rise may be linked to the Black Friday shopping period, which typically sees higher traffic volumes in the area. Conversely, burglary rates fell by 75%, dropping from 4 to 1, a decline that could reflect improved home security measures or seasonal deterrence factors. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, contributing 43.3% of all crimes, a proportion 11% below the UK average. This suggests local efforts in addressing violent crime may be showing some effect, though the absolute numbers remain a concern. The 50% decrease in shoplifting, from 10 to 5, is another notable shift, influenced by increased retail staff presence during peak shopping periods. These fluctuations underscore the combination of seasonal events and local crime dynamics.

Melksham's crime rate in November 2025 rose slightly by 2.1% compared to the previous month, moving from 5.2 to 5.3 crimes per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, aligns with seasonal patterns typically observed in November, such as darker evenings and the timing of events like Bonfire Night. Locally, this translates to approximately 3 crimes reported per day over the 30-day period, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents. When viewed through the lens of population, the monthly exposure means one reported crime occurred for roughly every 190 residents, a rate that remains significantly lower than the UK average. This suggests that while the area is not immune to fluctuating crime levels, its overall safety profile continues to outperform national benchmarks. The shift in crime type distribution, with a notable rise in vehicle-related incidents, may reflect increased traffic during Black Friday shopping.