Figures show rise in violence, stalking and sexual offences despite Wiltshire's low crime rate

New figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlight increasing demand in several offence categories across Wiltshire, including violence without injury, stalking and harassment, and sexual offences.

Recorded sexual offences increased from 2,224 offences in the year ending June 2025 to 2,419 offences in the year ending June 2026 (+195 offences, +8.8%), while violence without injury increased from 7,054 offences to 7,794 offences (+740 offences, +10.5%). Stalking and harassment offences also increased from 4,232 offences to 4,669 offences (+437 offences, +10.3%).

While Wiltshire continues to record one of the lowest overall crime rates per 1,000 population nationally, these figures reinforce the importance of ongoing work to prevent harm, support victims and address offences that can have a significant impact on individuals and communities. 

The figures also cover a period which includes the start of the summer months, when demand on policing services traditionally begins to increase.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said:  "These figures highlight areas that cause the Chief Constable and I significant concern that we will need to address. We are seeing increases in violence, stalking and harassment, and sexual offences, all of which can have a serious impact on victims and communities.

"It is encouraging that Wiltshire continues to be one of the safest places in the country when measured by crime rates, but what matters most is whether people feel safe in their communities.

"Behind every statistic is a victim, and one victim is one too many. That is why preventing harm, supporting victims and ensuring Wiltshire Police is responding effectively to these challenges remain key priorities for me as Police and Crime Commissioner.

"Through the Serious Violence Duty, we are working closely with partners to better understand and address the causes of violence, while Wiltshire Police continues to deliver its knife crime strategy and target those responsible for causing harm. My office also continues to invest in services that support victims, prevent crime and tackle the root causes of offending.

"By working together across enforcement, prevention and early intervention, we can address these challenges and help make Wiltshire a safer place for everyone." 
 
Deputy Chief Constable Mark Cooper said: “The latest ONS figures show that Wiltshire remains one of the safest counties in the country, with overall crime levels and rates of violence significantly lower than both regional and national averages.

“While that is reassuring, we recognise there are areas where demand has grown, particularly in reports of sexual offences, stalking and harassment and violence without injury.

“Reducing and preventing Violence against Women and Girls was confirmed as a Force priority in April and a significant amount of work is ongoing to increase victim confidence, improve support for those affected, target perpetrators and work with partners to prevent offending and keep communities safe.

“Some of the increase in stalking offences meanwhile may be attributed to greater victim confidence in reporting and improved recognition of stalking behaviours. While increased reporting is encouraging, we remain focused on protecting victims and pursuing those responsible for these often harmful and persistent offences.

"While overall crime levels remain comparatively low, we are not complacent. We remain committed to working closely with our communities and partner organisations to tackle crime, prevent harm and address the root causes of offending, ensuring Wiltshire remains one of the safest counties in which to live, work and visit."

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner continues to support a range of initiatives aimed at preventing violence, improving community safety and supporting those affected by crime. This includes working with local partners to identify emerging risks, commission support services and deliver programmes that address the underlying causes of violence and vulnerability.