The overall stats for reported crime in Wiltshire have fallen – but the amount of shoplifting happening around the county has soared.

New data released by the Office for National Statistics shows a decrease in overall recorded crime across Wiltshire, with significant reduction being seen in burglary, violence and safer public spaces, which were identified as priorities for the force by Chief Constable Catherine Roper.

According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, released on Thursday, the total recorded crime is four per cent down for the year ending December 2023 compared to the same period the previous year.

This figure represents 55.8 crimes per 1,000 people (excluding fraud), which is the lowest rate of all forces in England and Wales.

However, non-residential burglaries rose by two per cent and theft from the person happened nine per cent more in 2023 than in 2022 – and shoplifting soared by 35 per cent.

This is slightly below the national average of a 37 per cent increase, which is the highest figure since current police recording practices began for the year ending March 2003.

The statistics, which use data from police recorded crime and the Crime Survey for England and Wales, show reductions in several other types of offence.

Robbery is down 16 per cent, residential burglary and violence with injury decreased by 15 per cent, and there were 12 per cent fewer public order reports and a 10 per cent reduction in drug offences, as well as four per cent fewer sexual offences and five per cent less stalking.

Chief Constable Catherine Roper said: “These statistics reflect the hard work and renewed focus of Wiltshire Police as part of our collective effort to transform the organisation to best serve our communities.

“Since becoming Chief Constable of Wiltshire, I have been very clear in challenging the force to embrace a programme of change and new organisational priorities to bring about lasting and meaningful improvements.

“I cautiously welcome this latest set of statistics that appear to reflect some of the significant gains in key areas, with improved outcomes for victims and an overall reduction in crime.

“As an organisation we are still on that improvement journey, and I am determined to build upon this strong foundation to ensure we are ‘Keeping Wiltshire Safe’.”