Old Sarum Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 saw Old Sarum's crime rate reach 6.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 4.7% above the UK average of 6.4. This slight elevation, while modest, reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics. The area's crime profile remains dominated by violent offences (35.9% of total incidents), with 14 recorded cases of violence and sexual offences. Anti-social behaviour (30.8% of total) follows closely, highlighting persistent community tensions that may be exacerbated by the winter months. The seasonal context of February—a time of low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may contribute to the concentration of incidents in more confined spaces. This pattern is consistent with other rural and semi-rural areas where limited public spaces can amplify the impact of anti-social behaviour. While property crimes (9 incidents) remain below the violent crime total, the 4.7% above UK average rate suggests a need for continued vigilance. The localised nature of Old Sarum, as a built-up area within Wiltshire's more sparsely populated landscape, likely influences these patterns, with community interactions and limited recreational options contributing to the crime mix. The slight seasonal dip in outdoor activity may also explain the reduced incidence of vehicle-related crimes typically seen in warmer months, though this was not reflected in the data for February.

February 2026 saw a dramatic 200% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from 4 to 12 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in both burglary and drugs-related crimes, points to a significant shift in the crime mix. While violent crimes remained the largest category (14 incidents, 35.9% of total), property crimes (9 incidents) now account for a smaller share than in previous months. Anti-social behaviour's 131% above UK average rate (2.1 per 1,000) is particularly striking, far exceeding the national benchmark of 0.9 per 1,000. Conversely, public order offences fell by 80% (from 5 to 1), the only category to show a decrease. The 400% above UK average rate for bicycle theft (0.2 per 1,000) highlights a localised issue that may relate to specific community patterns or infrastructure challenges. For residents, the 200% jump in anti-social behaviour serves as a clear indicator of a pressing concern requiring targeted local responses.

Old Sarum's crime rate rose from 5.7 to 6.7 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, marking an 18.2% increase from the previous month. This upward trend contrasts with the area's typically low crime profile for a built-up area within Wiltshire. On a daily basis, the 39 reported crimes translate to roughly one crime per day, a figure that, while seemingly modest, reflects the concentrated nature of incidents in a small population. Over the course of the month, 1 crime occurred for every 149 residents, a statistic that underscores the relatively high proportion of incidents in a community of just over 5,800 people. This monthly exposure rate is higher than the average for similar-sized areas in England, suggesting a unique local dynamic that warrants closer examination of community-specific factors. The population-scaled perspective highlights the disproportionate impact of crime on a small, tightly knit community, where even a few incidents can feel more pronounced than in larger urban centres.