Knife crime and theft offences drop across Wiltshire and Swindon

Communities across Swindon and Wiltshire are seeing the results of sustained efforts to tackle crime, with new figures revealing a reduction in knife crime and theft offences over the past year. 

Figures published by the Office of National Statistics show that Wiltshire has recorded a 4.5% reduction in weapon offences in the year ending June 2025 compared to the previous year—a reduction from 420 crimes to 401. 

It comes following a partnership focus on delivering the Serious Violence Duty (SVD) which places a legal obligation on specified authorities to reduce violent crime. This includes police, local authorities, probation, NHS, youth justice services and fire.   

Further work is now underway to build on this momentum and progress made so far, including a new initiative to replace standard kitchen knives with safer, curved-edge alternatives in homes identified as potentially being at higher risk of violence.  

Schools across the county are also engaging with the Blunt Truth programme, which educates young people about the dangers of knife crime. These efforts are supported by focused deterrence and early intervention strategies aimed at diverting young people away from violence before it escalates. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “Tackling serious violence remains one of my top priorities, and these figures show that our collective efforts are beginning to make a difference. The reduction in weapon offences is encouraging, but we know there is still much more to do.  

“Through the Serious Violence Duty, we’re working closely with partners to intervene earlier, support communities, and prevent harm before it happens. Initiatives like the Blunt Truth programme in schools, the replacement of kitchen knives in high-risk homes, and our support for grassroots organisations in our local communities are all part of a wider strategy to reduce violence and protect lives. It is about prevention, not just enforcement.”

Theft offences have also declined, with a 6.5% drop recorded, from 11,648 crimes to 10,896. This contrasts with the regional average, which saw a 1.9% increase over the same period. Work is ongoing to drive down retail and business crime in the county including increased patrols in retail areas, improved CCTV coverage, and collaborative work with local businesses to deter opportunistic theft and repeat offending. 

Recognising that theft offences—particularly shop theft - may often go unreported, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is preparing to launch the Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) alongside Salisbury BID, a new partnership initiative which aims to encourage more consistent reporting, improve intelligence sharing, and strengthen preventative measures across the county’s retail and commercial sectors.  

Mr Wilkinson added: “These latest figures are a clear sign that our approach is working. The drop in thefts—especially when compared to rising rates across the region—shows that our investment in visible policing, smarter prevention, and partnership working is delivering real results. But we know theft is often underreported, which is why our work with the BCRP and local businesses is so important in building trust and encouraging consistent reporting. 

“While recent headlines have focused on overall crime rates, it’s important to look deeper. The progress we’re making in key areas—especially those that directly affect public safety and wellbeing—is encouraging and worth recognising. We will continue to build on this momentum and ensure Wiltshire remains a place where people feel safe and supported.” 

Mr Wilkinson also reiterated his call for fairer police funding, warning that continued progress could be at risk if Wiltshire does not receive its fair share of national resources. 

He added: “Wiltshire continues to be one of the lowest-funded police forces in the country. If we are to maintain and build on these successes, we urgently need a fairer funding formula that reflects the true demands on our officers and communities otherwise the improvements our residents see will not be sustainable. I will continue to press government for change—because our residents deserve better.” 

Deputy Chief Constable Mark Cooper said: "These encouraging figures are of course welcome. We are determined to drive down violent offences and it is clear that working in partnership with other agencies is vital in terms of addressing the social and economic factors which contribute to such offending.  

“In doing so, we are protecting our communities and helping to keep Wiltshire safe. 

"With the support of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the clear direction set by our Chief Constable, we will continue to relentlessly bring offenders to justice as well as supporting educational and preventative initiatives. 

"The trust and confidence of our communities is vital to our mission as we continue to build on this positive momentum."  

You can read the full ONS report here.