Melksham Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Melksham’s crime profile in January 2026 reveals a distinct balance of crime types that diverges from the UK average. With a crime rate of 4.4 per 1,000 residents—35.3% below the national average—the area’s overall safety is evident, yet the distribution of offences highlights localised patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 45% of all crimes, a significant share that contrasts with the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000 for this category. This concentration of violent crime may reflect the built-up nature of Melksham, where social interactions in public spaces could contribute to higher rates of such offences. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 22.5% of reported crimes, though it was 8% above the UK average for this category. This discrepancy could indicate challenges in managing community conduct in a smaller, densely populated area. Meanwhile, property-related crimes remained consistently below national levels: shoplifting was 47% lower than the UK average, and burglary and vehicle crime were 29% and 46% below, respectively. These figures may align with Melksham’s character as a relatively low-density built-up area, where commercial activity is limited compared to larger towns. Seasonal factors also played a role, with January’s post-holiday period likely reducing opportunities for retail and vehicle-related crimes. The shorter days and reduced footfall in public spaces may have contributed to the decline in property offences, though the persistent presence of violent crime suggests ongoing challenges in addressing local safety concerns. This mix of crime types illustrates a combination of demographic factors and environmental conditions, shaping Melksham’s unique crime profile.

January 2026 saw a sharp 100% increase in 'other crime' and bicycle theft, with both rising from zero to one incident each. This spike in bicycle theft may reflect seasonal factors, such as increased cycling during colder months when alternative transport options are limited. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 66.7%, dropping from 12 to 4 incidents—a marked decrease that could be attributed to reduced public gatherings during the post-holiday period. Burglary and vehicle crime both declined by 40%, aligning with the typical seasonal dip in property-related offences as retail footfall and outdoor activity decrease. Violence and sexual offences remained 20% below the UK average, despite accounting for 45% of all crimes in Melksham. This suggests a localised pattern where violent crime is concentrated but not high compared to national trends. The 47% reduction in shoplifting compared to the UK average further underscores the area’s lower retail crime profile, linked to its smaller-scale commercial environment.

Melksham's crime rate in January 2026 fell by 11.0% compared to the previous month, dropping from 4.9 to 4.4 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with typical January patterns, where post-holiday periods and shorter daylight hours may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. Locally, the average daily crime count was approximately 3 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that reflects the area’s relatively low overall crime profile. When viewed through the lens of population exposure, the monthly data shows that one reported crime occurred for roughly every 230 residents—a statistic that contextualises the scale of incidents for local residents. This rate is significantly lower than the UK average, yet the distribution of crime types reveals a distinct profile: while violent crimes dominate, property-related offences remain below national levels. This contrast may partly reflect Melksham’s character as a smaller, built-up area within Wiltshire, where community dynamics and local infrastructure could influence crime patterns differently than in larger urban centres.