Old Sarum Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Old Sarum, Wiltshire, reveal a crime rate of 59.1 incidents per 1,000 residents over the period of January 2025 to December 2025. While this rate is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, it still reflects a level of criminal activity that warrants attention. The safety score for Old Sarum stands at a respectable 85 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79. However, a concerning trend shows a 13.2% increase in crime year-on-year, indicating a need for proactive measures and community engagement to maintain safety and security. The most frequently reported crimes involve violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

The crime landscape in Old Sarum is dominated by concerns surrounding violence and sexual offences, accounting for nearly half (49.7%) of all reported incidents. These are followed by anti-social behaviour (18.3%) and criminal damage and arson (9.6%). While these three categories represent the majority of recorded crimes, property theft, including shoplifting and vehicle crime, also contributes to the overall picture. The relatively low number of burglaries (1.2 per 1,000) suggests that while break-ins do occur, they are less frequent than other types of crime. Understanding these patterns requires consideration of Old Sarum’s unique characteristics, which may include factors such as population density, local amenities, and the presence of transient populations. These elements can all play a role in shaping the types and frequency of crimes observed within the area.

The observed increase in crime rates within Old Sarum, a 13.2% rise year-on-year, is a cause for concern. Monthly data reveals a consistent upward trend, beginning with 3.4 incidents per 1,000 residents in January 2025 and peaking at 8.4 per 1,000 in July 2025. While rates subsequently declined, they remained above the initial levels, stabilising around 3.6-3.8 per 1,000 in the later months of the data period. This sustained increase suggests underlying factors are contributing to the rise in criminal activity, requiring further investigation and targeted interventions. The consistent rise throughout the year indicates a potential systemic issue rather than a temporary spike.

How To Keep Safe in Old Sarum

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when out alone at night. Consider walking with a friend or using well-lit routes. Due to the incidence of anti-social behaviour, report any suspicious activity to the police. Secure your property with robust locks and consider installing an alarm system. Be vigilant about vehicle security, parking in well-lit areas and removing valuables from view. Finally, be mindful of potential criminal damage and arson risks by ensuring any outdoor materials are stored safely and securely.

Crime in Old Sarum exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft and vehicle crime are more prevalent, likely linked to commercial activity and commuter traffic. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees a similar trend, with theft remaining a significant factor. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), vehicle crime rises, potentially reflecting increased opportunities for opportunistic theft. However, the night hours (12am-6am) reveal a concerning spike in vehicle crime, suggesting a heightened risk during these periods. While burglary is less frequent overall, it tends to occur across all time periods, albeit with a slightly higher concentration in the afternoon.

Old Sarum’s crime rate stands in contrast to several neighbouring villages. Winterbourne Dauntsey and Winterbourne Earls report no recorded crimes, while Gomeldon similarly shows a crime-free period. In comparison, the city of Salisbury experiences a significantly higher crime rate of 102.9 per 1,000 residents, highlighting the disparity in crime levels between rural and urban areas within the region. These differences underscore the varied challenges faced by communities in Wiltshire and the importance of tailored safety strategies.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide a reactive response – recording events after they’ve occurred. However, the rising crime rate in Old Sarum demonstrates the need for proactive protection. Consider scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system. Unlike standard systems, scOS detects threats at your property boundary, using multi-camera intelligence to monitor all angles simultaneously. With DVLA vehicle verification, it instantly identifies suspicious vehicles, and its pattern learning capabilities recognise your family and routines, minimising false alarms. The visible presence of scOS acts as a powerful deterrent; most burglars decide within 60 seconds – scOS makes that decision easy, prompting them to move on. Reading crime statistics is one thing; proactively preventing threats at your property line is another.