Drug offences on the rise across Wiltshire

Wiltshire Police has seen a significant 14% increase in the reporting of drug offences over the past year, according to new figures.

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, covering the year ending March 2025, show 1,194 drug offences recorded across the county, up from 1,048 the previous year. Regionally, across the South West, there has also been a 14% increase, with reports rising from 9,932 to 11,295. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson has attributed this rise in reported crimes to stronger community engagement and the success of regional enforcement efforts, including Operation Scorpion.

Operation Scorpion is a collaborative initiative between the five South West police forces and their respective Police and Crime Commissioners which aims to make the region a hostile environment for drug dealers and organised crime groups.

A crucial part of this work involves encouraging residents to report any concerns around drug related crime to enable the force to build a richer intelligence picture. 

Mr Wilkinson said: “The rise in drug offences is a clear sign that our communities are stepping forward and saying, ‘enough is enough’. Through Operation Scorpion, we have empowered residents to report suspicious activity and helped ensure that Wiltshire is no place for drugs. 

“This increase shows that our intelligence-led approach is working — we are uncovering more, disrupting more, and protecting more people from harm, and residents are more confident they will receive a positive response when they contact the police.

“Your information is helping us dismantle criminal networks and safeguard vulnerable people, especially young people who are often targeted by gangs.

“We will continue to invest in proactive policing and community partnerships to ensure Wiltshire remains a hostile environment for those who seek to profit from drugs and exploitation.”  

Deputy Chief Constable Mark Cooper said: “We continue to listen and respond robustly to community concerns, in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner and a wide range of agencies and stakeholders to keep the residents of Swindon and Wiltshire safe.

“We cautiously welcome the latest ONS statistics which suggest increased public confidence from our communities to report serious crime such as drug related offences. 

“Despite the national funding challenges, the proactive and community focused actions of Wiltshire Police are continuing to reduce crime in Wiltshire and Swindon.  We have the lowest total recorded crime rate in England and Wales of 53.3 crimes per 1,000 population against a national average of 87.2 per 1,000 population.  

“We are determined to continue to build on this level of performance and maintain this positive momentum in our delivery of our policing service to our communities."  

The ONS statistics also highlight significant improvements in recorded robbery, with a fall in 63 recorded cases from last year's 274 (- 23%).

It also shows that the reporting of sexual offences in Wiltshire rose by 190 reports to 2,116 (+10%), which indicates increased public confidence in reporting.

Wiltshire’s total number of recorded crime is 53.3 per 1,000 population - vs an average of 87.2 for England and Wales - remaining the lowest of all forces in England and Wales.

You can read the full ONS report here.