Royal Wootton Bassett Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, reveal a crime rate of 54.4 incidents per 1,000 residents over the period of January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, and reflects a generally safer environment compared to many other areas of the country. However, the recent trend indicates an increase in crime, rising by 15.3% year-on-year, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive measures. Understanding the types of crimes occurring and their patterns is crucial for both residents and local authorities in maintaining a secure and thriving community.

The crime landscape of Royal Wootton Bassett is currently dominated by violence and sexual offences, accounting for 43.2% of reported crimes (320 incidents). Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most prevalent concern, with 146 reported incidents, representing 19.7% of the total. Criminal damage and arson contribute 10.0% (74 incidents), reflecting a need for community vigilance. While other forms of crime, such as public order offences, theft, drugs-related crimes, and robbery, are present, they occur less frequently. The relatively low number of burglaries (15 incidents) and vehicle crimes (12 incidents) may be attributed to the area's perceived safety and close-knit community feel. However, the overall trends suggest a need for continued focus on addressing the root causes of violence and anti-social behaviour within the area.

Crime in Royal Wootton Bassett has experienced a concerning upward trend, increasing by 15.3% year-on-year. This rise is reflected in the monthly data, which shows a steady increase in incidents from January 2025 (3.4 per 1,000) to November 2025 (6.6 per 1,000), with a slight dip in December (5.1 per 1,000). This escalation underscores the need for proactive interventions and community engagement to address the underlying factors contributing to this rise and ensure the continued safety of Royal Wootton Bassett residents. The peak in November requires further investigation to identify potential triggers and implement targeted preventative measures.

How To Keep Safe in Royal Wootton Bassett

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s vital to be aware of your surroundings, especially when out alone at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and stick to well-populated routes. Due to the increase in anti-social behaviour, consider joining or supporting local community watch schemes to foster a sense of collective responsibility. With criminal damage and arson also being a concern, secure your property by ensuring gates are locked and vulnerable areas are well-lit. Finally, always report any suspicious activity to the police; even seemingly minor incidents can contribute to a safer community.

Crime in Royal Wootton Bassett demonstrates a varied pattern throughout the day. Burglaries are most likely to occur in the morning (7%) and afternoon (12%), with a slight increase in the evening (9%). Violence is most frequently reported during the evening (0%) and night (0%), particularly on weekends. Theft tends to peak during commercial hours in the afternoon (38%), while vehicle crime is notably higher during the night (21%). The majority of 'other' crimes are reported during the afternoon (46%) and evening (71%). These trends highlight the importance of targeted safety measures at different times of the day.

When compared to surrounding areas, Royal Wootton Bassett's crime rate presents a varied picture. Lydiard Millicent has a significantly lower rate of 22.4 per 1,000, suggesting a particularly safe environment. Broad Town boasts a crime rate of 0.0, an exceptionally low figure. Conversely, Purton has a rate of 25.2 per 1,000, while Brinkworth experiences a rate of 31.2 per 1,000. These comparisons highlight the localised nature of crime and the importance of understanding specific area characteristics.

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