Merley Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics

Merley stands out as an exceptionally safe community, boasting an overall crime rate of just 25.6 per 1,000 residents, dramatically lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. This is reflected in its outstanding safety score of 94 out of 100, significantly surpassing the national average of 78. Property crime is also remarkably low at 8.6 per 1,000, compared to the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. Adding to this positive outlook, Merley has seen a substantial 11.1% decrease in its overall crime rate year-on-year. This introduction highlights Merley's status as one of the safest areas, with further detailed statistics to follow.

Crime Type Analysis

In Merley, violence and sexual offences account for the largest proportion of crime, at 35.6% of all incidents, or 9.1 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most prevalent, representing 25.0% of crimes at 6.4 per 1,000. Shoplifting is the third most common offence, making up 11.2% of the total, or 2.9 per 1,000.

Property-related crimes, including burglary (5.0%), other theft (8.8%), vehicle crime (1.9%), criminal damage and arson (4.4%), bicycle theft (1.2%), robbery (0.6%), and theft from the person (0.6%), contribute to a very low property crime rate of 8.6 per 1,000. While Merley enjoys a high level of safety, these figures still serve as a reminder for residents to maintain good security practices to help prevent opportunistic crime and preserve the community's secure environment.

Crime Trends

Merley has shown a very positive trajectory in its crime trends, with a significant 11.1% decrease in the overall crime rate year-over-year. The monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents consistently remain at very low levels. Starting at 1.4 in October 2024, the rate saw a remarkable low of 0.8 in January 2025, and again dropped to 1.1 by September 2025. While there was a slight increase to 3.0 in June 2025, this represents a minor fluctuation within an overwhelmingly positive long-term trend. This sustained reduction in crime, coupled with the already low base rates, reinforces Merley's status as a highly secure and desirable place to live, offering residents significant peace of mind.

Time Patterns of Crime

Crime patterns in Merley show distinct shifts throughout the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are heavily influenced by theft, which accounts for 59% of crimes, along with notable burglary at 16%. In the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains very high at 56%, and burglary increases to 23%, indicating a focus on properties during daytime absences. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), burglary continues to rise, reaching 27%, while 'other' crimes account for 36%, and theft remains substantial. Night-time (12am-6am) sees burglary become the dominant property crime at 36%, accompanied by vehicle crime at 21%, reflecting the increased vulnerability of unattended properties and vehicles.

Nearby Area Comparison

Comparing Merley to its neighbouring communities provides important context for its crime statistics. Merley consistently maintains a significantly lower crime rate than slightly larger towns like Wimborne Minster, which, as a market town, experiences more commercial activity and associated offences. Similarly, when compared to residential areas such as Bearwood, Stone (Dorset), and Corfe Mullen, Merley's figures are often among the lowest. This highlights Merley's strong community cohesion and predominantly residential character, which contribute to its exceptional safety profile. The comparison reinforces Merley's status as a very secure and peaceful place to live within the wider region.

Protecting Your Home in Merley

Even in Merley, with its remarkably low property crime rate of 8.6 per 1,000 residents, ensuring your home is secure remains a sensible precaution. While the risk is low, proactive protection is always more effective than reacting after an incident. This is where advanced AI-powered security systems, such as scOS, offer a distinct advantage over traditional methods.

Unlike systems that merely record a burglary, scOS is engineered to prevent it. It employs multi-camera intelligence to detect potential threats at your property's perimeter, learning your routines to accurately identify intruders. With features like DVLA vehicle verification, suspicious vehicles can be flagged instantly. Upon detection, scOS can trigger an autonomous response, activating lights and speakers to deter intruders before they can cause harm. This proactive intervention is crucial, as most burglars decide within a critical 60-second window. By choosing a professional-grade system like scOS, you are investing in an active defence for your home, ensuring peace of mind in this already safe community.