Crime falls 4% in Wiltshire over 12 months
Our county has the lowest crime rate in England and Wales
Crimes reported in Wiltshire in the 12 months to December 2023 has fallen by 4%.
The Office for National Statistic figures show there were 55.8 crimes per 1,000 people last year - that's the lowest rate for any force in England and Wales.
There's also been big falls in some types of offences, such as:
- A 16% drop in robberies
- 15% fall in residential burglaries
- 4% reduction in sexual offences, with a 5% drop in stalking incidents
- 10% fewer drug offences
- 12% fall in public order incidents
- 15% drop in violence with injury
Rises were recorded in non-residential burglaries (up 2%) and theft from a person (up 9%).
Shoplifting offences also rose by 35%, but that's below the 37% average for the rest of the country.
Chief Constable Catherine Roper said:
“These statistics reflect the hard work and renewed focus of Wiltshire Police as part of our collective effort to transform the organisation to best serve our communities.
“Since becoming Chief Constable of Wiltshire, I have been very clear in challenging the force to embrace a programme of change and new organisational priorities to bring about lasting and meaningful improvements.
“I cautiously welcome this latest set of statistics that appear to reflect some of the significant gains in key areas, with improved outcomes for victims and an overall reduction in crime.
“As an organisation we are still on that improvement journey, and I am determined to build upon this strong foundation to ensure we are ‘Keeping Wiltshire Safe’.”