Wiltshire schools are facing a number of serious security threats and criminal incidents in 2025. As a result, we’ve published our own Wiltshire school crime news report to keep you up to date with what’s happening in your county.
School crime news stories in Wiltshire
The importance of securing schools in against crime
So far this year, bomb threats, arson attacks, and vandalism cases have disrupted education settings across the county.
These incidents are a reminder why targeted and opportunistic crime can impact schools in Wiltshire.
Altogether, they demonstrate the need for robust, layered protection and security solutions such as installing CCTV systems to protect schools against theft.
This article gives an overview of the types of crime affecting Wiltshire’s schools in 2025.
All in all, we outline notable incidents, and offer guidance on the key security measures schools in Wiltshire should implement to mitigate similar risks.
What are the types of crimes impacting schools in Wiltshire
Now let’s take a look at the different types of crimes faced by schools across the county this year so far.
Bomb threats & evacuations
- February 25, 2025: Badbury Park Primary School, Swindon, was evacuated after receiving a bomb threat. Police arrested a 36-year-old suspect, and nearby homes were also cleared during the incident. The school experienced major disruption.
- May 14, 2025: Lydiard Park Academy faced a similar threat, again resulting in a full evacuation and major operational impact.
- September 16, 2025: A school in Devizes was evacuated after a threatening phone call on 16 September. Police searched the site, later confirming the incident was a hoax after identifying a suspect.
Bomb hoaxes not only disrupt education but can cause significant trauma for staff and students.
They also drain emergency service resources and place pressure on school leadership teams.
All in all this highlights how the level of crime impacting schools in Wiltshire doesn’t just include the usual suspects like theft and vandalism. The risks to pupil safety is alarming.
Vandalism & graffiti at a school in Wiltshire
April 2025: A Wiltshire primary school was vandalised over the Easter break. Offensive graffiti targeting the headteacher was sprayed on school property. While this wasn’t a violent crime, it caused reputational damage and considerable distress to staff and families.
Arson and fire
March 2025: Little Owls Woodland Pre-school suffered a suspected arson attack following a break-in. Cases like this underline how school sites, particularly during out-of-hours periods, remain vulnerable to criminal damage. However, dedicated CCTV monitoring solutions protect schools out of hours against these threats.
Strengthening school security: Key measures for schools in Wiltshire
Overall, crime is impacting Wiltshire’s schools and the reported incidents this year show the need for a robust approach to security, combining physical measures, technology and staff preparedness:
- Bomb threat response planning: Every school must have a clear evacuation protocol and communication plan for dealing with bomb threats. Staff should receive scenario-based training so responses are confident and co-ordinated.
- CCTV systems: Monitored CCTV systems for schools offer many benefits. Coverage of perimeter fencing, access points, and vulnerable external areas can help deter and detect acts of vandalism and arson. Footage also assists police investigations.
- Perimeter security: Schools should assess fencing and gate controls. Tall, anti-climb fencing with lockable gates can limit site access during holidays and out-of-hours periods — when vandalism and arson risk is highest.
- Intruder detection and alarms: Monitored alarm systems can trigger immediate response from police or monitoring centres. Motion sensors and door contacts help detect and deter intruders quickly.
- Community engagement: Building links with local police and neighbourhood watch groups encourages intelligence sharing and strengthens protective monitoring of schools outside of normal hours.
Summary: Wiltshire school crime report
Wiltshire’s school’s experience of crime in 2025 demonstrates that they remain vulnerable to a wide range of criminal threats.
Bomb threats, arson and vandalism cause significant operational and emotional impact, not just physical damage. Well designed and installed security systems protect schools from a range of threats.
Whilst budget is always a factor, by not investing in security, you could impact community confidence in a school’s ability to keep children safe.
By investing in an integrated approach to security, from CCTV and alarms to clear response planning and community collaboration, schools can reduce these risks and strengthen their resilience in the face of future incidents.
Proactivity is key: waiting until an incident occurs leaves both staff and students exposed.
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