Salisbury Crime Rate

Salisbury has an overall crime rate of 102.9 per 1,000 people, which is slightly above the UK average of 91.7. The city holds a safety score of 77/100, compared to the national average of 79. Recent data shows that the crime trend is stable, with a minimal 0.2% decrease year-over-year. This indicates a consistent safety environment for the city's 45,797 residents. While the crime rate is slightly elevated, Salisbury remains a popular and generally secure historic city. Understanding the local trends and crime types is key for residents and visitors to maintain their personal safety and property security. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of the city's crime statistics and safety advice.

Crime Breakdown in Salisbury

In Salisbury, the most frequently reported crimes are violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and shoplifting. Violence and sexual offences make up 34.5% of all local crime with 1,626 reported incidents, while anti-social behaviour accounts for 21.4% (1,008 incidents). Shoplifting is also a significant factor in the city centre, representing 8.8% of the total.

Property crime in Salisbury—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—stands at a rate of 32.1 per 1,000 residents. This is almost identical to the UK average of 32.3. While the city is generally safe, the 391 incidents of criminal damage and arson and 128 recorded burglaries indicate that property protection is a relevant concern for residents. For homeowners, these figures underscore the importance of securing entry points and maintaining a visible security presence to deter opportunistic theft, which remains a consistent element of the urban crime profile.

Salisbury Crime Trends

Crime in Salisbury is currently stable, with a year-over-year change of -0.2%. This indicates that the city is maintaining a consistent level of safety. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated, starting at 8.1 in December and hitting a low of 6.9 in February.

The crime rate peaked in July at 10.4, which is common for historic cities that see a significant increase in visitors during the summer months. By November 2025, the rate had settled back to 8.2. For residents, this stable trend is reassuring, as it shows no significant escalation in criminal activity, with the city effectively managing the seasonal variations in footfall and related crime incidents.

How To Keep Safe in Salisbury

The highest crime category in Salisbury is violence and sexual offences, often occurring in the city centre during peak evening and weekend hours. To stay safe in the urban environment, consider the following tips:

When enjoying Salisbury’s nightlife, stay with your friends and use well-lit, busy streets to move between venues. Avoid poorly lit alleys or quiet areas near the outskirts of the city centre.

Be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy shopping areas or near the transport hubs. Keep your personal belongings secure and out of sight to prevent opportunistic theft.

If you are walking home late at night, try to use the main roads and avoid shortcuts through parks or unlit footpaths. Consider using a personal safety app or letting someone know your route.

If you ever feel uncomfortable or threatened, head to a well-lit public place like a shop, hotel, or pub. Salisbury has a strong community presence, and seeking help in a busy environment is always the safest option.

Salisbury Crime Patterns

Crime in Salisbury follows distinct time patterns that reflect the city's daily rhythm. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are most common, accounting for 46% and 48% of crime respectively in those periods. This is largely driven by shoplifting and opportunistic theft in the busy commercial areas.

As the day transitions into the evening (6pm - 12am), the crime profile shifts significantly, with "Other" crimes (including anti-social behaviour) rising to 56%. At night (12am - 6am), vehicle crime becomes much more prevalent, accounting for 28% of reported incidents, while burglary also reaches its peak percentage of 16%. These trends suggest that property and vehicle security are most at risk during the quietest hours, while personal awareness is most important during the busy shopping and socialising hours.

Salisbury serves as the main urban centre for its region, and its crime rate of 102.9 per 1,000 reflects this status. When compared to nearby settlements, Salisbury is naturally busier. For instance, Wilton (67.7) and Old Sarum (60.4) have significantly lower crime rates, while smaller nearby villages like Britford and Nunton reported no crimes in the current period. This comparison highlights that while Salisbury has more recorded incidents due to its commercial activity and higher population density, it remains part of a generally safe and low-crime broader region in Wiltshire. For those seeking a quieter environment, the surrounding villages offer exceptionally high safety levels within easy reach of the city.

Protecting Your Property in Salisbury

With a property crime rate of 32.1 per 1,000 residents, which aligns closely with the national average, Salisbury homeowners should be mindful of property security. In a city environment, many property crimes are opportunistic, with burglars choosing targets that appear vulnerable or lack visible deterrents. Standard security systems like Ring or Nest are often reactive, providing you with a video of your burglary after it has happened, which rarely prevents the crime itself.

For true peace of mind, proactive protection is required. The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to stop crime before it occurs. By using intelligent multi-camera monitoring, scOS detects potential threats at your property boundary. Its autonomous response system can activate lights and speakers the moment an intruder is identified, removing the element of surprise and deterring them instantly. For Salisbury residents, investing in professional-grade, proactive security like scOS is the most effective way to ensure your home does not become another statistic.