Old Sarum Crime Rate

About Old Sarum

Old Sarum records an overall crime rate of 60.9 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly lower than the national average of 93.1 per 1,000. The settlement boasts a strong safety score of 84 out of 100, surpassing the UK average of 78, indicating a relatively secure environment. Over the last year, Old Sarum has experienced an increasing crime trend, with a rise of 17.9% year-over-year. These figures provide a clear overview of the current crime landscape within this urban settlement.

Crime Breakdown in Old Sarum

An examination of crime types in Old Sarum reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most common, accounting for 48.5% of all crimes, at a rate of 29.5 per 1,000 people. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most prevalent, representing 18.3% of offences (11.2 per 1,000), with Criminal damage and arson ranking third at 9.0% (5.5 per 1,000). These three categories collectively highlight key areas of criminal activity within the settlement.

Property-related crime in Old Sarum, which includes incidents such as burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 13.0 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9 per 1,000. Specific figures show burglary at 0.9 per 1,000, vehicle crime at 2.6 per 1,000, and other theft at 1.4 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, these statistics suggest a comparatively very low risk of property-related offences, although general vigilance remains a sensible precaution.

Crime Trends in Old Sarum

Old Sarum has experienced an increasing crime trend over the past year, with a significant rise of 17.9% year-over-year. This indicates a notable upward shift in overall criminal activity. Monthly data shows the crime rate per 1,000 people starting at 4.3 in November 2024 and generally fluctuating upwards. Rates varied between 3.4 and 6.2 in early to mid-2025, with a peak of 8.4 in July, before declining to 3.8 in October. These patterns suggest a sustained upward trajectory in crime, particularly during the summer months, which residents may wish to be mindful of.

How To Keep Safe in Old Sarum

With Violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent crime type in Old Sarum, focusing on personal safety and awareness is crucial for residents. While the settlement's overall safety score is good, being aware of potential risks can further enhance security.

1. Be alert in social settings: When out and about, especially in pubs or clubs, be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption that might impair your judgement.
2. Secure your personal space: If you are at home, ensure your doors and windows are locked, even if you are just stepping out for a short time. Good home security is a deterrent.
3. Travel with care: If you are walking alone at night, stick to well-lit and familiar routes. Consider carrying a personal safety alarm for emergencies.
4. Trust your instincts: If a situation or person makes you feel uneasy, remove yourself from the situation. Reporting suspicious behaviour to the police can help keep the community safe.

Crime Time Patterns in Old Sarum

Crime in Old Sarum exhibits specific patterns throughout the day and week, reflecting typical urban dynamics. Generally, the early morning hours (12 am - 5 am) show the lowest crime intensity, with activity gradually increasing as the settlement awakens. During morning commutes and business hours, crime rates rise to a moderate level, becoming more apparent by mid-morning.

The afternoon period (12 pm - 5 pm) often experiences heightened crime activity, correlating with increased foot traffic in commercial areas and properties being left unattended. Evenings (6 pm - 11 pm) tend to represent a peak for certain types of offences, especially those associated with social gatherings and nightlife, before gradually subsiding in the late hours. Weekends, particularly Friday and Saturday evenings, typically show the highest overall crime intensity. These trends provide valuable insights for residents to adapt their security measures and personal awareness throughout the day and week.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, Old Sarum's crime rate of 60.9 per 1,000 people can be compared with neighbouring areas. Winterbourne Dauntsey and Winterbourne Earls, Winterbourne Gunner, and Gomeldon are all listed with a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people per year, which may reflect different data collection or reporting methodologies, or genuinely very low incident levels in these smaller settlements. Salisbury reports a significantly higher crime rate of 101.4 per 1,000 people per year. This comparison highlights that while Old Sarum's crime rate is considerably lower than the national average, its larger neighbour Salisbury experiences a higher incidence of crime.

Proactive Home Security in Old Sarum

With Old Sarum recording a low property crime rate of 13.0 per 1,000 people, residents can significantly enhance their safety with robust home security. Traditional CCTV systems often provide valuable footage after an incident, but they don't prevent the initial intrusion. For genuine peace of mind and proactive protection, advanced security solutions are highly effective.

scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, is designed to prevent crime before it happens. Its core strength lies in proactive detection at the property boundary, identifying threats before an intruder can gain entry. Unlike basic cameras, scOS utilises multi-camera intelligence to monitor all areas simultaneously, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It also incorporates DVLA vehicle verification, instantly catching fake plates, and learns your family's routines to only alert on genuine threats. Should an intrusion attempt occur, scOS provides an autonomous response, activating lights and engaging speakers to eliminate the element of surprise and deter the offender. This proactive deterrence is crucial, as most burglars decide whether to proceed within 60 seconds. Professional-grade security like scOS offers a significant advantage over reactive systems, ensuring your Old Sarum home is protected proactively.