Westbury Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Westbury’s crime profile in January 2026 reveals a stark contrast between violent and property crime, with the former dominating at 46.4% of total incidents. The area’s overall crime rate of 3.7 per 1,000 residents is 45.6% below the UK average of 6.8, highlighting a generally safer environment compared to national trends. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 32 incidents, or 46.4% of all crimes, a rate of 1.7 per 1,000 residents—32% below the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed with 15 incidents (21.7% of total), while property crimes such as shoplifting and vehicle crime remained significantly lower than UK averages. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours—likely contributes to the lower prevalence of outdoor-related crimes like vehicle theft. However, the dominance of violent crime may reflect local dynamics, such as the built-up area’s population density and social interactions. The data shows no clear link to major events or infrastructure, suggesting that the balance between violent and property crime could be influenced by broader regional patterns or unmeasured socioeconomic factors.

January 2026 saw significant shifts in crime types, with violent crime increasing by 23.1% compared to December (26 → 32 incidents), while property crime rates remained relatively stable. Anti-social behaviour surged by 66.7% (9 → 15), potentially linked to seasonal factors such as post-holiday social gatherings or increased domestic tensions. Conversely, vehicle crime plummeted by 77.8% (9 → 2), possibly due to reduced traffic during the post-Christmas lull or improved security measures. Westbury’s violent crime rate (1.7 per 1,000) is 32% below the UK average, suggesting local initiatives or community cohesion may play a role. The sharp decline in shoplifting (4 → 3, -25%) and criminal damage (17 → 5, -70.6%) indicates a possible reduction in opportunistic crimes. For residents, the 32 violent crimes reported—equivalent to one per 578 residents—may raise concerns about personal safety, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic or community interactions.

Westbury’s crime rate in January 2026 (3.7 per 1,000) marked a 17.8% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.5 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while low, underscores the persistent presence of crime in a built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 268 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average. With a population of 18,511, Westbury’s low crime rate suggests a relatively safe environment, though the dominance of violent crime may challenge perceptions of safety. The comparison to the UK average also reveals that Westbury’s violent crime rate is 32% below the national figure, while property crime categories such as shoplifting and vehicle crime are 65% and 73% below UK averages, respectively. These disparities could reflect the area’s unique characteristics, such as its rural setting within Wiltshire, which may limit opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the absence of detailed regional comparisons means that local factors remain speculative.