Old Sarum Crime Rate March 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Old Sarum’s March 2023 crime rate of 3.3 per 1,000 residents marks it as one of the safest built-up areas in the UK, standing 56.6% below the national average of 7.6 per 1,000. This stark contrast with the UK picture highlights the area’s unique characteristics, which likely include its rural setting within Wiltshire and limited urban density. The crime profile is dominated by violent offences (8 incidents, 42.1% of total), public order issues (3 incidents, 15.8%), and vehicle crime (3 incidents, 15.8%). These figures may reflect the area’s small population and the absence of major commercial hubs, which typically drive shoplifting or theft from the person. The seasonal transition to spring, with longer evenings, may have influenced the prevalence of public order offences — a category that often rises as outdoor activity increases. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Old Sarum (1.4 per 1,000) is 49% below the UK average, consistent with the area’s low population density and community cohesion. However, the 186% above UK average for possession of weapons (0.2 per 1,000) raises questions about local factors, such as policing strategies or the presence of specific risk groups. While the overall crime rate is exceptionally low, the breakdown illustrates that no area is entirely immune to crime, and even small communities face unique challenges.

March 2023 saw a notable shift in the crime mix, with violent crimes making up 42.1% of all reported incidents — the highest share among any category. This contrasts with the UK average for violence and sexual offences, which stood at 2.7 per 1,000 (49% below Old Sarum’s rate). Meanwhile, vehicle crime in the area was 0.5 per 1,000, just 4% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, suggesting minimal impact from the area’s limited road infrastructure. A striking anomaly was the rate of possession of weapons, which was 0.2 per 1,000 in Old Sarum — 186% above the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000. This discrepancy may be linked to the area’s proximity to major transport routes or local policing priorities. The low incidence of shoplifting (0.2 per 1,000) and other theft (0.2 per 1,000), both significantly below UK averages, aligns with the area’s sparse retail presence and low foot traffic.

Old Sarum’s March 2023 crime rate of 3.3 per 1,000 residents places it significantly below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This gap, at 56.6%, suggests a markedly safer environment compared to the national picture. Daily crime statistics show an average of one reported crime per day in the built-up area, which, while low, remains a local concern for residents. Over the course of the month, the probability of a resident encountering a crime is approximately one in 307 — a figure that underscores the rarity of incidents in this part of Wiltshire. The population context further highlights the scale: with 5,826 residents, the area’s small size likely contributes to the lower crime rate, as smaller communities often have tighter social networks and greater informal oversight. While the UK average reflects urban and densely populated regions, Old Sarum’s rural setting and limited commercial activity may reduce opportunities for certain types of crime, such as theft from the person or large-scale vehicle crime.