Crime across Wiltshire rose by more than 7% in the year ending December 2025, according to new figures.
Data released by the Office for National Statistics shows total recorded offences increased from 39,642 to 42,711 compared with the previous year.
All crime categories saw increases, ranging from violence and sexual offences to public order incidents and drug-related crime.
Despite the overall rise, Wiltshire continues to record the lowest crime rate in the South West.
When adjusted for population, the county recorded 55.64 crimes per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the national rate of 83.53 and the regional figure of 73.17.
The figures mirror national trends, including higher reporting levels for offences that have traditionally been underreported, particularly those involving violence, sexual harm and public order.
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “Any increase in crime is a concern, as behind every statistic is a victim of crime and these figures rightly remind us that there is more work to do. However, it is vital that these numbers are looked at in proper context.
“The fact that we are seeing rises across every crime type strongly suggests that improved crime recording practices, better identification of offences, and increased public confidence in reporting crime are contributing factors.
“When crimes are reported and recorded accurately, victims are more likely to receive the support they need and offenders are more likely to be held to account.”
He added: “My office will continue to work closely with Wiltshire Police to understand the drivers behind these figures, support effective crime prevention, and ensure resources are focused where they are needed most.
“Our priority remains keeping communities safe, supporting victims, and making sure offenders are brought to justice. Accurate crime data is essential to that mission, and while no rise in crime should be ignored, these figures show a system that is increasingly open, accountable and focused on protecting the public.”
Wiltshire Police Deputy Chief Constable Mark Cooper said: “This consistent pattern across all offence types can be attributed to, in part, to improvements in how crime is identified, recorded and reported, rather than representing a single underlying spike in offending.
“As a force we continue to work closely with our communities and partner agencies, including the OPCC, to robustly tackle criminality and address the underlying factors, in order to keep Wiltshire safe.”
The statistics follow the force’s latest PEEL inspection, which identified areas for improvement including safeguarding. Inspectors also underlined the importance of consistent crime recording and a strong focus on victims.
Mr Wilkinson added: “Last week’s PEEL findings and today’s crime statistics should be seen together. When victims have confidence to report crime, and when officers are recording offences correctly and consistently, we will often see recorded crime rise.
“While that does not remove the need to tackle offending head on, it does show policing becoming more open, more victim focused and more accountable.
“My role is to ensure that the learning from the PEEL inspection directly feeds into improved standards, stronger performance and better outcomes for communities across Wiltshire.”
The full report is available via the Office for National Statistics website.
