Old Sarum Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2025, Old Sarum recorded 29 crimes across its built-up area, translating to a crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 38.3% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, a significant gap that positions the area as one of the safer parts of the country. The most common crime category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 19 incidents (65.5% of total crimes), a rate of 3.3 per 1,000—17% above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed with 4 incidents (13.8% of total crimes), at a rate of 0.7 per 1,000, a stark 51% below the UK average. This contrast suggests that while violence remains a local concern, other categories like anti-social behaviour are managed more effectively. Seasonal factors likely influenced these patterns, as May's longer evenings and bank holidays may have increased outdoor socialising, contributing to the rise in violence. However, the sharp declines in criminal damage and arson, along with the drop in anti-social behaviour, indicate that some trends are stabilising or improving. The built-up nature of Old Sarum, combined with its rural surroundings, may create a unique crime profile where violent incidents are more concentrated but property-related crimes remain relatively low. This interplay between local geography and seasonal activity appears to shape the area's crime profile in ways that differ from broader UK trends.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift occurred in bicycle theft, burglary, and drugs, each of which saw a 100% increase from zero to one incident in May. This surge, though numerically small, signals potential new risks or changes in local dynamics. Violence and sexual offences remained the dominant category, contributing 65.5% of all crimes—17% above the UK average for this category. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by 63.6% compared to April, likely due to fewer incidents in public spaces during the month. The sharp decline in criminal damage and arson (60% decrease) may reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced outdoor activity or targeted efforts by local authorities. For residents, the 100% increase in burglary is a concrete data point worth noting, as it suggests heightened vulnerability in homes despite the overall low crime rate. These shifts highlight the need to monitor specific categories that deviate from the UK average, even in an area with generally lower crime levels.

Old Sarum's crime rate in May 2025 stood at 5.0 per 1,000 residents, a slight 3.3% decrease from 5.2 per 1,000 in April. This places the area firmly below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, with a 38.3% gap. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day in May, a figure that reflects the low overall rate but remains a tangible reminder of local risks. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 201 residents—a statistic that, while modest, underscores the importance of community vigilance. The population context further highlights the disparity: with 5,826 residents, the area's crime rate is 57% lower than the UK average when scaled to its size. This contrast suggests that local factors—such as the built-up area's character, seasonal patterns, or policing efforts—play a significant role in maintaining this gap. The reduction in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage compared to April may indicate temporary shifts in activity, though the 100% increases in bicycle theft, burglary, and drugs suggest emerging vulnerabilities that warrant closer attention.