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This Wiltshire crime news update focuses on incidents across the county, impacting businesses and the local communities.

We have detailed confirmed cases of theft, burglary, vandalism, arson, fraud, and violence affecting:

  • Businesses
  • Council facilities
  • Schools
  • Parks

As a professional CCTV installation company, the goal of this business crime news report is to inform owners, council officials, and school facilities managers about recent crime trends in Wiltshire.

Key article takeaways (TL;DR)

  • Restaurants face security threats including theft, vandalism, fire, and staff-related incidents.
  • CCTV helps monitor customer areas, tills, and back-of-house to prevent theft and disputes.
  • Access control protects stockrooms and sensitive areas from unauthorised access.
  • Fire safety systems are essential due to high kitchen-related risk.
  • Integrated security systems improve staff safety and operational control.

Wiltshire business crime news & statistics

Wiltshire continues to boast one of the lowest crime rates in the country. According to the Office for National Statistics data released in early 2025, Wiltshire (including Swindon) recorded 52.8 crimes per 1,000 people in 2024 – the lowest rate nationally. 

Overall recorded crime in the county fell by 5.6% year-on-year, dropping from 41,903 incidents in 2023 to 39,627 in 2024. Property crimes in particular saw promising declines: the number of theft offenses fell by 10.4% (to 10,895), and burglary cases dropped by 7.1%. This equated to 126 fewer break-ins (1,645 down from 1,771 the previous year).

Local Police have said it is vital local individuals and businesses keep reporting crime in Wiltshire to maintain these figures.

Such statistics indicate that Wiltshire’s concerted efforts in crime prevention are paying off. Police attribute improvements to community vigilance and targeted operations. 

Crime prevention initiatives in Wiltshire

For example, in March Wiltshire Police ran a retail crime crackdown in Swindon town centre, coinciding with the National Business Crime Centre’s awareness week. 

Officers increased patrols around shops and promoted the “ShopKind” initiative to combat retail crime abuse against shop workers. National retail surveys underscore the importance of these efforts – the British Retail Consortium’s 2025 report found violence and abuse toward shop workers up over 50% in the past year, with an average of 55,000 retail thefts per day across Britain. 

Additionally, Wiltshire Police have stepped up patrols across Trowbridge, Melksham, Warminster, and Westbury as part of a crackdown on fly-tipping and illegal waste disposal.

Although every vehicle stopped was found to be compliant, officers say the operation sends a clear message.

All in all, fly-tipping remains a costly, damaging problem that won’t be ignored, and further checks are planned to keep pressure on repeat offenders and protect the county’s environment.

Crime in Wiltshire affecting businesses & commercial properties

Now, let’s take a look at some of the incidents impacting business across Wiltshire

Retail thefts and burglaries in Wiltshire 

Wiltshire’s generally low crime numbers didn’t prevent several commercial property crimes at local businesses in early 2025. In Chippenham, police investigated a shoplifting incident at a major retailer. Around £150 worth of goods were stolen from the TK Maxx store in Chippenham on 24 January. 

CCTV images of two suspects, released by police in mid-February solicit the public’s help in identifying those responsible. This incident highlights that even relatively petty thefts continue to impact retailers. Businesses must remain vigilant, as such business crime in Wiltshire can add up – especially with national retail theft rates remaining high.

Burglary at the food outlet in Swindon

More serious was a burglary at a food outlet in Swindon. On 15 April, at approximately 4:30am, an unknown suspect broke into a takeaway restaurant on Cricklade Road and stole a cash till containing £3,000 in cash. 

During the break-in the intruder ripped their coat, leaving behind a piece of evidence captured on CCTV.

Wiltshire Police issued a public appeal for witnesses in the surrounding Swindon streets to check any doorbell or security camera footage for suspicious activity around that time.

This bold burglary targeting a business underscores the continued need for robust alarms and surveillance at commercial properties. 

Fortunately, burglary rates in Wiltshire have been trending downward, but each incident is a stark reminder of the potential losses to local businesses.

Employee theft at The Range

Not all thefts are committed by outsiders – some come from within. In Salisbury, two employees of “The Range” were sentenced in April for an internal theft spree that lasted nine months.

The pair stole thousands of pounds worth of merchandise from the store between May 2023 and January 2024. In summary, causing losses of over £8,000.

Related reading: The different security threats that shops and retailers face

Violent robbery attempt on commercial premises in Chippenham

Several incidents of robbery and violence affecting businesses also occurred, showing that even in a low-crime area, brazen attacks happen. 

Most notably, on 16 March a gang attempted a daylight robbery at the O2 mobile phone store in Chippenham. Around 3:30pm, six men targeted the shop in Borough Parade in a coordinated attempted robbery. 

During the incident, two members of the public were knocked down and sustained minor injuries. This unfortunately, demonstrates the risk of violence spilling over to bystanders when commercial robberies occur in busy areas.

Thanks to a rapid police response, all six suspects (aged early 20s to late 20s) were arrested at the scene or nearby shortly after the foiled raid. 

Fraud cases harming local businesses and clients


Wiltshire saw at least one significant fraud case reach sentencing in this period, illustrating the financial crimes facet of commercial crime. In late April, a Marlborough-based builder was sentenced for defrauding clients in a property construction scam.

Vandalism and attacks on public property (councils, schools, and parks)

In early 2025, vandals and thieves targeted not only businesses but also public and community property, from council-run parks to school grounds.

Hate-fueled vandalism in parks and council facilities


One of the most disturbing vandalism sprees occurred in Royal Wootton Bassett, where public parks were defaced with hateful graffiti. In March, residents reported finding racist and homophobic slurs spray-painted in two local parks attacking the LGBTQ+ community and others. The culprits scrawled insults across playground equipment and walkways, sparking outrage in the community.

School property incidents and security concerns

Schools are meant to be safe havens, but one Wiltshire primary school suffered a shocking act of vandalism this spring. This Wiltshire school crime report, highlights the threats faced by schools across the county.

Devizes school evacuation

A school in Devizes was evacuated after receiving a threatening phone call on the 16th September.

Police treated the incident as genuine until a full search confirmed there was no danger to pupils or staff.

Wiltshire Police quickly identified a suspect and confirmed the call was a hoax.

The evacuation caused disruption across the school morning, prompting renewed discussion about safety procedures, communication systems, and how schools manage potential threats.

Marlborough school vandalised

Over the Easter break in April, Marlborough St Mary’s Primary School a vandal sprayed vulgar messages in red paint across the campus.

The graffiti explicitly named and insulted the headteacher. Phrases like “Fk St Mary’s, Fk Dan Crossman” painted on a pavement, and the same slur repeated on a fence.

Furthermore, vandals defaced two school signage boards. On one, the perpetrator scrawled “Mr. Nonce!” in marker over the area displaying the headteacher’s name. The timing suggests the culprit struck at night between April 14 and 15, when the school closed for the holidays.

Wiltshire crime report – conclusions

For businesses, councils, and school facility managers, the takeaways are clear. It is crucial to invest in and explore modern security solutions, to protect properties after hours. 

Many Wiltshire businesses are already upgrading their security technology in light of these incidents, and law enforcement encourages this. Simple steps like adequate lighting, reinforced locks, and having employees follow end-of-day security checklists can thwart opportunistic crimes. 

In the case of the O2 shop robbery attempt, for example, quick police notification by staff and witnesses was vital. As a result, fostering a culture of “see something, say something” can save the day.

The message is clear.

Even though Wiltshire is a low crime area, vigilance and protecting your property and is essential.