Wiltshire Police continues to have the lowest total recorded crime per head of population in England and Wales, new data has revealed.

Quarterly crime data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on October 24 shows the force recorded 40,477 instances of crime - excluding fraud - in the year ending June 2024.

This is a seven per cent decrease from the previous period, equating to 53.9 crimes per 1,000 people, compared with the national average of 89.1 crimes.

The ONS’s statistical round-up, titled 'Crime in England and Wales: year ending June 2024', highlighted reductions in several serious crime types within the Wiltshire Police force area.

These included a 10 per cent decrease in violence against the person, falling to 21.6 offences per 1,000 people, a 33 per cent decrease in robbery, which sits at 0.3 offences per 1,000 people, and a four per cent decrease in theft offences, dropping to 15.5 per 1,000 people.

Burglary and criminal damage and arson saw eight per cent and six per cent reductions respectively, with drug offences and public order offences also seeing declines.

Deputy Chief Constable Craig Dibdin said: "We never lose sight of the fact that there are real victims behind each set of statistics and that almost every crime can have a profound impact both emotionally and financially.

"However, I would like to pay tribute to the dedication and professionalism of officers and staff in Wiltshire Police who have helped to drive down crime and in doing so are helping to create lasting change.

"To have the lowest total recorded crime per head of population in England and Wales is a reflection of the level of commitment to meeting our policing priorities that I see throughout the organisation."

Some crime types, however, did see an increase in recorded instances.

Sexual offences increased by one per cent, totalling 1,941 recorded instances in the year to June 2024.

Despite this increase, this is the lowest of all forces in the South West region and the fifth lowest in England and Wales.

Vehicle offences rose by eight per cent with 2,440 instances recorded, while theft from the person, and possession of weapon offences also increased.

Deputy Chief Constable Dibdin added: "We are not complacent. As an organisation, we continue to refine the way we respond to the demand we see.

"We remain determined to build upon this generally positive picture and keep improving to keep the people of Wiltshire safe."

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