Salisbury Crime Rate

Salisbury's crime rate of 103.2 per 1,000 residents is 13% above the UK average, highlighting a significant disparity in safety compared to national benchmarks. The city experiences higher-than-average rates of violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and public order issues, which may impact residents' daily lives. For instance, the 94% increase in bicycle theft compared to the UK average could affect both tourists and local cyclists, while the 49% higher rate of anti-social behaviour may influence community cohesion.

Salisbury is a historic built-up area within Wiltshire, known for its cathedral, medieval architecture, and mix of residential, commercial, and tourist spaces. The city's compact layout, with high foot traffic in the city centre and proximity to major transport links, likely contributes to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and public order incidents. Economic factors, such as the presence of a cathedral and tourism-related businesses, may also influence patterns of theft and violence.

The most surprising finding in Salisbury's crime profile is the 94% increase in bicycle theft compared to the UK average. This may be attributed to the city's popularity as a tourist destination, where cyclists and visitors frequently use bikes, and the compact layout of the city may make bikes more vulnerable to theft. Violence and sexual offences are 11% above the UK average, likely linked to the city's nightlife and the presence of a cathedral that attracts diverse crowds. Anti-social behaviour is 49% above the UK average, possibly due to the high density of residential and commercial areas. Notably, vehicle crime is 39% below the UK average, which may reflect better parking security or lower commuter traffic compared to larger urban centres.

Crime in Salisbury has remained stable year-on-year, with a 1.0% increase overall. However, possession of weapons has surged by 105% YoY, which is a concerning trend. Other notable changes include a 24.1% increase in other theft and a 11% decrease in anti-social behaviour. The peak crime month was July 2025, with a rate of 10.4 per 1,000, likely linked to increased tourism and outdoor events. The spike in weapon possession may be influenced by factors such as increased police presence or specific incidents, though further data would be needed to confirm this.

How To Keep Safe in Salisbury

Residents should avoid walking alone in isolated areas, especially after dark, and use well-lit routes. For anti-social behaviour, which is 49% above the UK average, reporting incidents promptly via 101 or 999 can help deter repeat incidents. Bicycle theft is a significant concern, so securing bikes with robust locks and storing them in secure locations is essential. Avoiding areas with high foot traffic during late hours can also reduce exposure to violence and sexual offences, which are 11% above the UK average.

Crime in Salisbury tends to peak during the evening and night, with vehicle crime spiking between midnight and 6am, likely due to reduced surveillance in residential areas. Theft and burglary are more common in the afternoon and evening, possibly linked to retail activity and the presence of tourists. Public order issues are highest at night, which may correlate with the city's nightlife and higher foot traffic in the evenings. The morning sees lower crime rates, but theft still accounts for 45% of incidents, suggesting opportunities for opportunistic crimes during daily routines.

Compared to nearby areas, Salisbury's crime rate of 103.2 per 1,000 is 68% higher than Old Sarum (61.3 per 1,000) and 46% higher than Wilton (70.5 per 1,000). Old Sarum, a rural area with less foot traffic and commercial activity, likely experiences lower crime rates due to its smaller population and more spread-out layout. Wilton, while still lower than Salisbury, may have different socioeconomic factors contributing to its slightly higher rate compared to Old Sarum.

Home security in Salisbury should focus on deterring theft and ensuring safety during late hours. scOS's proactive boundary detection can identify threats at the property perimeter before a break-in occurs, which is particularly relevant given the city's 94% higher bicycle theft rate. DVLA vehicle registration verification may also be useful, though vehicle crime is lower than average. For areas with higher rates of violence and sexual offences, scOS's real-time monitoring and deterrence features, such as automated lighting and speaker activation, can help disrupt potential intruders.