Old Sarum Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Old Sarum’s crime profile in April 2023 reveals a distinct balance of violent and property crimes, with violent offences dominating the mix. The area recorded 15 total crimes, 9 of which were classified as violence and sexual offences, accounting for 60% of all incidents. This concentration of violent crime contrasts sharply with the UK average, where such offences make up 42% of all reported crimes. Property crimes, including shoplifting, burglary, and other theft, accounted for the remaining 40% of incidents, with rates across these categories consistently below the UK average. For instance, criminal damage and arson occurred at 0.3 per 1,000 residents in Old Sarum, compared to the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. The seasonal context of April—Easter and spring weather—likely contributed to increased outdoor activity, which may have influenced the higher proportion of violent crimes, particularly in public spaces. However, the absence of significant spikes in property-related offences suggests that local factors, such as the area’s low population density and limited commercial activity, may temper opportunities for such crimes. The overall crime rate of 2.6 per 1,000 residents, 65.3% below the UK average, positions Old Sarum as one of the safest built-up areas in the country. This stark contrast with national trends highlights the area’s unique characteristics, including its rural setting within Wiltshire and the potential influence of local initiatives or community dynamics that contribute to its low crime profile.

April 2023 saw a notable 100% increase in burglary cases, rising from zero to one incident, marking the first recorded burglary in the area this year. This shift contrasts with a 66.7% decrease in public order offences, which fell from three to one, possibly reflecting reduced outdoor activity or improved community engagement during the Easter period. The crime mix also reveals a stark imbalance, with violent crimes (9 incidents) comprising 60% of all reported crimes, significantly higher than property crimes (5 incidents). This pattern is consistent with Old Sarum’s lower-than-average rates for most crime categories, including a 51% below UK average for criminal damage and arson and a 69% below UK average for public order offences. For residents, the most striking data point is the absence of shoplifting and other theft incidents, which were both below the UK average by over 50%.

Old Sarum’s crime rate in April 2023 stood at 2.6 per 1,000 residents, a 21.2% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 3.3 per 1,000. This decline underscores a sustained trend of reduced crime in the area, particularly in public order offences, which fell by 66.7% compared to March. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly zero crimes per day in April, reflecting the low overall rate and aligning with its status as a relatively quiet built-up area within Wiltshire. When scaled to the local population of 5,826, this translates to one reported crime for every 388 residents over the course of the month. Such a monthly exposure figure highlights the rarity of crime in Old Sarum, making it one of the safer areas in the UK, where the national average is 7.5 per 1,000. For residents, this means the likelihood of encountering crime is significantly lower than in most parts of the country, though vigilance remains necessary given the small number of incidents reported.