Wiltshire Police record lowest volume of crime - but more domestic abuse and hate crime

By Barrie Hudson - 13 May 2021

Crime

The latest crime statistics show that Wiltshire Police recorded the lowest volume of crime per head of population in the country and compared with similarly-sized forces.

The force says the figures released by the Office of National Statistics reflect its response to the unprecedented challenge of operating under lockdown conditions.

The ONS statistics cover the 12-month period leading up to December 2020.

Recorded crime statistics up to December 2020 show:

- The volume of crime was 51.1 crimes per 1,000 residents - significantly below the average for forces which have similar size and population which showed an average of 66.5.

- Wiltshire Police recorded a 16.5 percent reduction in the volume of crime for the 12 months to December 2020 in comparison with a national decrease of 7.8 percent.

Comparing Wiltshire Police’s statistics against the previous year, the figures show:

- Public order offences increased by 18 percent from the previous year, (2,871 to 3,397) in the 12 months to December 2020. 

- Incidents of stalking and harassment showed a 10 percent increase (2,896 to 3,200), while domestic abuse saw a 10 per cent rise and recorded instances of hate crime saw a 26 percent increase (836 compared to 665).

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: "For context it is important to note that due to changes in recording around stalking and harassment, the force is much better at identifying and logging these crimes. 

"Additionally, the force has promoted greater awareness of these crimes as well as encouraging greater reporting of domestic abuse and hate crime which has resulted in the public being better informed about reporting such matters."

Possession of drugs showed an increase of 14 percent (1,229 compared to 1,078) on last year’s recorded crimes, which the force says to some extent reflects the successes of operational activity against County Lines drug offences. Drug trafficking showed a 12 percent decrease. 

A number of other crimes have shown what the force terms significant decreases.

These include shoplifting (down 47 percent), all other theft offences (down 35 percent), burglary (down 34 percent), theft from the person (down 47 percent), robbery (down 19 percent) and vehicle offences (down 16 percent).

According to the force, lockdown restrictions are an important factor in these statistics.

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: “Clearly the latest crime statistics should be seen within the context of the coronavirus pandemic which has had a huge impact on every aspect of policing throughout Wiltshire and Swindon over this time period. 

"And it’s a tribute to the officers, staff and volunteers working for Wiltshire Police who have adapted to this unprecedented challenge to continue to carry out their duties to such a high standard.

“While there is always room for improvement, there is much to be positive about - especially our performance in reducing the volume of crime, in comparison with the national average and against other similarly-sized forces.

“As always, statistics don’t always tell the full story. It is important to highlight that our activities against organised criminal groups and county lines gangs remain a priority and are reflected in the figures which show increased reports of drug possession. 

"And our drive to robustly identify and log instances of stalking and harassment as well as awareness campaigns around domestic abuse may have been an important factor in our higher number of reported cases.

“The drop in a wide range of other crime areas, from robbery to burglary, while no doubt influenced by lockdown restrictions are also a reflection of dedicated, professional and skilled police work.

“The people we serve in Swindon and Wiltshire can be assured that we continue to relentlessly tackle criminality in our area and address the priorities set out by the Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure that our communities are safe places in which to live and work.”

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