Wiltshire eighth lowest crime area in the country

Wiltshire Police have announced a decrease in crime in the county and the Swindon area. 

The county which is currently the eighth lowest crime area in the country discovered crime had decreased over the last 12 months by 17.4% according to a Home Office report.

Wiltshire Police recorded 36,137 crimes in the county with drug offences dropping significantly. 

Criminal damage also saw a reduction of 2.8% with 198 fewer reports than last year. 

However there has been an increase in violent behaviour towards a person by 6.8% and vehicle crime increased by 6.8%. 

Assistant Chief Constable, Steve Hedley said: "Although the figures point to violent crime being on the increase in our area, it is important to stress that this is partly a result in a change in the way in which we have been recording this type of crime."

Major town centres have seen a fall in violence nationally by 19% over the past two years. 

"We have seen a number of licensed premises closed because of the robust approach we have taken to venues which are not run responsibly," Steve Hedley added.

Local people have also expressed positivity with figures showing 64% of residents in Wiltshire believe Wiltshire Police deal with local concerns. 

Steve Hedley said: "We are pleased this is well above the national average."

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