Mere (Wiltshire) Crime Rate

Recent crime statistics for Mere (Wiltshire), covering the period from January 2025 to December 2025, paint a picture of a community experiencing a concerning level of criminal activity. With a crime rate of 56.8 per 1,000 residents annually, Mere surpasses the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. While the safety score stands at a relatively respectable 87 out of 100, compared to the UK average of 79, the significant year-on-year increase of 21.5% is a cause for attention. This upward trend, combined with the types of crimes prevalent in the area, warrants a closer look at the factors influencing safety and potential mitigation strategies. Understanding these figures is crucial for residents and local authorities alike to work towards a safer environment.

The most recent data, covering January 2025 to December 2025, reveals a concerning crime profile for Mere (Wiltshire). Violence and sexual offences constitute the largest portion of reported crimes, accounting for 32.6% of incidents (59 crimes). Anti-social behaviour follows closely behind at 25.4% (46 crimes), highlighting potential issues with public order and community disruption. Shoplifting represents a further 8.8% of incidents (16 crimes), suggesting challenges for local businesses. Criminal damage and arson (8.3%) and other theft (6.6%) contribute significantly to the overall crime picture. Burglary, while present, accounts for a smaller proportion of the total (6.1%), and vehicle crime represents 3.9%. The relatively low numbers in categories like robbery (0.6%) and theft from the person (0.6%) are noteworthy, but the prevalence of violence and anti-social behaviour demands attention. A deeper understanding of the local demographics and socioeconomic factors might shed light on the root causes of these trends.

The crime rate in Mere has seen a concerning increase of 21.5% year-on-year. This upward trend is reflected in the monthly data, with spikes observed in July (6.9 per 1,000/month) and October (6.3 per 1,000/month). While there are fluctuations month to month, with lower figures in February (5.0 per 1,000/month) and June (3.1 per 1,000/month), the overall direction remains consistently upward. This increase demands immediate attention and a concerted effort from both local authorities and the community to address the underlying factors driving this concerning trend.

How To Keep Safe in Mere

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s vital to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, particularly during the evening. Consider travelling in groups and avoiding poorly lit areas. Due to the significant issue of anti-social behaviour, reporting suspicious activity to the local authorities is crucial. Shoplifting is also a concern for local businesses, so be mindful of your belongings when out shopping and report any suspicious behaviour. Finally, secure your home and vehicles, ensuring doors and windows are locked, and consider installing security lighting to deter opportunistic criminals.

Crimes in Mere tend to fluctuate throughout the day and night. During the morning (6am-12pm), burglaries account for 18% of incidents, with theft comprising a significant 43%. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees a shift, with burglaries increasing to 29% and theft remaining high at 43%. The evening (6pm-12am) witnesses a change in patterns, with a decrease in theft (18%) but an increase in vehicle crime (13%). However, the night (12am-6am) is particularly concerning, with burglaries accounting for 32% and vehicle crime also rising to 32%, suggesting a period of increased vulnerability.

When compared to surrounding villages, Mere’s crime rate stands out. Areas like Zeals, Milton on Stour, and Bourton (Dorset) have reported zero crimes, offering a stark contrast. Gillingham (Dorset), while slightly closer to the UK average with a rate of 45.6 per 1,000, still demonstrates a significantly lower crime level than Mere. This difference underscores the unique challenges faced by the community and highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the underlying causes of criminal activity.

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