Purton Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Purton, Wiltshire, reveal a crime rate of 25.2 per 1,000 residents annually, a significantly higher rate than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. While the overall safety score is relatively high at 93 out of 100, this elevated crime rate necessitates careful consideration and proactive safety measures. The most frequently reported crimes involve violence and sexual offences, constituting 53.0% of all incidents. Understanding the nuances of these statistics and the factors contributing to crime within Purton is crucial for residents and local authorities alike. This page provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, trends, and practical advice for ensuring personal safety.

The crime landscape in Purton, Wiltshire, is largely shaped by its close-knit community and proximity to larger urban areas. While the overall crime rate stands at 25.2 per 1,000 residents annually (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025), reflecting a higher rate than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, understanding the specific crime types is vital. The most prevalent offences are related to violence and sexual offences, accounting for 53.0% of all recorded crimes (62 incidents). These are followed by public order offences and anti-social behaviour, each representing 11.1% of incidents (13 each). Criminal damage and arson account for 8.6% (10 incidents), while other forms of theft contribute 13.5% (7 incidents relating to 'other theft', 1.5 per 1,000). Vehicle crime is relatively low at 3.4% (4 incidents), and burglary, a key concern for homeowners, is notably low at 1.7% (2 incidents). The property crime rate is 5.4 per 1,000 residents, a figure that warrants careful consideration.

Crime rates in Purton have been steadily increasing, with a significant 13.6% year-on-year rise. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reflects this upward trend. While some months, such as February (1.3 per 1,000) and April (0.9 per 1,000), experienced relatively low rates, others, like September (3.2 per 1,000) and November (3.0 per 1,000), saw considerably higher levels of reported crime. This fluctuating pattern highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and proactive intervention to mitigate the escalating crime rate and ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community.

How To Keep Safe in Purton

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's essential to remain vigilant in public spaces, especially during the evening. Consider walking with a companion and avoiding poorly lit areas. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. Due to the presence of public order and anti-social behaviour incidents, reporting suspicious activity to the authorities promptly is crucial. Finally, securing your home remains paramount, even with the relatively low burglary rate. Ensure doors and windows are locked, and consider installing visible security measures to deter potential intruders. Keep valuables out of sight and be mindful of your belongings in public.

Criminal activity in Purton exhibits varying patterns throughout the day. During the morning (6am - 12pm), theft and vehicle crime are more prevalent, accounting for a significant portion of incidents. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) sees a continuation of theft, while the evening hours (6pm - 12am) witness a shift towards incidents involving violence, though still relatively less frequent. Overnight (12am - 6am), vehicle crime sees a marked increase, suggesting opportunities for opportunistic theft. Understanding these temporal trends can help residents and authorities tailor preventative measures to specific times and locations.

Comparing Purton’s crime statistics to neighbouring areas provides valuable context. Lydiard Millicent exhibits a slightly lower crime rate of 22.4 per 1,000, while Chelworth Lower Green boasts a remarkably low rate of 0.0 per 1,000. However, Cricklade faces a considerably higher rate of 45.2 per 1,000, and Royal Wootton Bassett experiences a rate of 54.4 per 1,000. These comparisons highlight the variable safety levels within the Wiltshire region and underscore the importance of localized safety measures within Purton.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a burglary has occurred, offering little in the way of preventative action. The right security system can change that. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, detects threats at your property boundary, preventing crime before it happens. Unlike Ring or Nest cameras that simply record, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to watch all areas simultaneously, identifying potential risks instantly. With DVLA vehicle verification, scOS can also spot fake plates. It learns your family’s routines, deliveries, and recognises normal activity, only alerting you to genuine threats. This proactive approach, coupled with autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers to deter potential intruders, can significantly reduce the risk of crime. The 60-second decision point for many burglars is crucial; visible scOS deterrence often makes them move on.