Number of sexual offences up in Wiltshire but overall reported crime down 5%
We're being warned statistics don't tell the whole story
Last updated 28th Jan 2022
New crime figures show that Wiltshire Police had the lowest number of recorded crimes per head of population of all 42 forces in England and Wales.
The Office for National Statistics have released data for the 12 months to September 2021, with Wiltshire having 52.7 crimes per every 1000 residents.
It also revealed a drop of 5% in overall recorded crime.
However, the figures did show that Wiltshire saw an 8% increase in reports of sexual offences and a 12% rise in reported stalking and harassment offences.
The force say these increases are a concern but they are being cautiously welcomed as a reflection of the huge amount of work that has been undertaken to address the understanding that this is a crime type that is often under reported by victims.
Supt Sarah Robbins said:
“While we shouldn’t rely on statistics to tell the whole story - the indications from this latest set of results reflect the real achievements we are making as an organisation to drive down crime volume throughout the county.
“We never forget that behind these statistics are real victims of crime - and we cautiously welcome the indication that we have fewer victims of crime per head of population than all 42 other police forces in England and Wales.
“Whilst we accept that not all crime is reported, we have been working hard to encourage community engagement and trust with our officers in order to reach out to victims.
“We are beginning to see notable success in this regard, as evidenced by increased reporting of stalking and harassment and sexual offences.
"These figures bring into sharp focus the fact that despite being one of the lowest funded forces in the country - we are among the top performing areas when compared to similar force areas.
“We recognise that there is still much work to be done.
“But at the same time we should take encouragement from these results, especially the overall fall in the number of victims of crime which reflects the hard work and professionalism shown at all levels of the organisation which continues to respond highly effectively in the face of increasing demand, at a time of huge challenge and change for the organisation."
'PLEASE REPORT INCIDENTS'
Following the release of the statistics, Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner is calling on residents to report crime concerns.
PCC Philip Wilkinson said:
“I am always sceptical when I’m presented with crime statistics as I have now heard from many residents who no longer report crime concerns to the police, because they’re not confident that anything will be done about it.
“Therefore, it’s difficult to celebrate a reported reduction in crime when we don’t have the full picture, and many continue to suffer in silence.
“I am working with the Chief Constable to rebuild public confidence in Wiltshire Police and my Police and Crime Plan, which I’ve consulted extensively on, will set the tone for the improved policing service that residents receive.
“But it will only improve if resources are allocated to meet demand and we need you to report crime concerns to ensure that we have a complete picture of criminal activity in Wiltshire and officers are deployed to where they’re most needed."