CRIME in Wiltshire rose 10 per cent in 2022, according to new figures.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) crime data shows the number of offences reported compared to the previous year.

In Wiltshire, increases were shown in a range of areas – including sexual and violent offences.

Recorded theft (21%) and possession of weapon offences (27%) showed a significant increase. However, reported drug offences showed a 7% decrease on the previous year.

The comparison with 2021, the ONS report notes, was expected due to the UK-wide lockdown of January 2021.

Assistant Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, Deb Smith, said: “These statistics point to the significant ongoing challenge facing Wiltshire Police – which reflects the national picture.

“We are targeting significant resources to meet this challenge with renewed sense of focus and direction – specifically meeting the operational priorities set out by our new chief constable around protecting public spaces, tackling violence and burglary. We hope to see this activity reflected in future reports.

“It is gratifying to note that the latest set of statistics indicate a decrease in the number of drug offences which reflect our determination to tackle the root causes of criminality in our communities which fuel many forms of offending.

“Statistics of course do not tell the whole story. We place the victims at the heart of everything we do and recognise that there is further work we need to do in order to protect our communities.

“We continually adapt and learn and we will not shy away from sharing this progress with the communities that we serve, working closely with partnership organisations to secure convictions, promote rehabilitation and make Wiltshire a safer place.”

The percentage of crimes involving a knife showed a 14% increase compared with the previous year – with 308 recorded incidents.

Changes in the number of crimes reported included:
Violence against the person: 7% increase
Sexual offences: 13% increase
Robbery: 9% increase
Theft offences: 21% increase
Criminal Damage and Arson: 2% increase
Drug Offences: -7%, decrease
Possession of Weapons offences: 27% increase
Public Order offences: 12% increase