Salisbury Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For a city of 45,797 residents, Salisbury recorded 338 crimes in January 2026, translating to a crime rate of 7.4 per 1,000 people—a figure 8.8% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This rate, while relatively high for a historic town, aligns with patterns observed in built-up areas with a mix of residential, commercial, and tourist activity. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.3% of all crimes (126 incidents), the most common category, followed by anti-social behaviour (23.7%, 80 incidents) and criminal damage and arson (9.2%, 31 incidents). The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours—likely influenced the crime profile, with fewer outdoor crimes typical of the month. However, the overrepresentation of anti-social behaviour and violent offences suggests broader social dynamics at play. The town's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site may contribute to a unique crime profile, with historical sites and tourist attractions potentially driving certain incidents. The 8.8% disparity from the UK average underscores the need for targeted local strategies, particularly in addressing violent and anti-social crimes, which remain significantly higher than national benchmarks.

Month-on-month changes reveal sharp shifts in specific crime categories. Theft from the person doubled from zero to two incidents, a 100% increase, while other theft rose by 90.9% (11 to 21). Conversely, drug-related crimes fell by 75% (16 to 4), and robbery incidents dropped by 75% (4 to 1). These fluctuations suggest seasonal influences, with the post-holiday period likely contributing to the surge in theft from the person, as well as reduced retail footfall affecting vehicle crime (down 36.4%) and other theft. Anti-social behaviour remains 94% above the UK average, a persistent challenge in the built-up area. Meanwhile, shoplifting is 30% below the UK average, possibly reflecting lower retail activity during January. The contrast between categories—such as the 46% below UK average for vehicle crime and 100% above for bicycle theft—illustrates the combination of local factors, including the town's historical significance and tourism dynamics.

Salisbury's crime rate in January 2026 (7.4 per 1,000 residents) marks an 8.9% decrease from December's 8.1 per 1,000, reflecting a slight downward trend in overall criminal activity. Daily crime statistics reveal an average of 11 crimes reported each day in January, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents within the built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 135 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents relative to the population of 45,797. This 1-in-135 ratio, while not uncommon for urban centres, contrasts with the UK average when considering specific crime categories. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while Salisbury's overall rate is higher than the UK average, the distribution of crime types—particularly the significant overrepresentation of anti-social behaviour and violent offences—shapes the local experience differently than the national profile.