Marlow Crime Rate

Marlow is a highly secure urban settlement, boasting an overall crime rate of just 55.6 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.6, contributing to an impressive safety score of 87/100. Data from January 2025 to December 2025 indicates that the crime trend in this area is stable, with a minor year-over-year increase of 2.6%. Furthermore, the property crime rate stands at a low 20.7 per 1,000, which is well below the national average of 32.2. These figures suggest that Marlow offers a very safe and peaceful environment for its 14,885 residents, with consistently low levels of criminal activity across all major categories.

In Marlow, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 41.0% of all incidents, with a rate of 22.8 per 1,000 residents. Other theft is the second most frequent at 12.7%, followed by shoplifting at 9.8%. These figures reflect the typical safety profile of an affluent riverside town with a busy commercial centre and active social life.

Property-related crime in Marlow occurs at a rate of 20.7 per 1,000 people per year. This category is led by other theft (7.0 per 1,000), shoplifting (5.4 per 1,000), and criminal damage and arson (3.5 per 1,000). Burglary occurs at a rate of 1.6 per 1,000, while vehicle crime stands at 2.1 per 1,000. The property crime rate is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2, suggesting that the town is very secure for homeowners.

For residents, these statistics mean that personal safety in public spaces and the protection of property are important considerations. While the burglary rate is low, the prevalence of "other theft" and shoplifting suggests that opportunistic theft is common in commercial and public areas. Maintaining a high standard of home and vehicle security is still important to deter any criminal activity in this prosperous urban environment.

The crime trend in Marlow is currently stable, with a minor 2.6% increase in total crimes over the last year. This indicates that incident levels are holding steady. Monthly data from 2025 shows some fluctuation, with a low of 2.6 per 1,000 in January and a peak of 6.1 in April and May.

The spring and summer months were generally more active, with April through August all recording rates above 4.5 per 1,000. The latter part of the year saw rates remain relatively consistent, peaking again at 5.4 in November. This pattern of slightly higher activity in the warmer months and late autumn is common and does not suggest any major emerging threats. For residents, this long-term stability means that Marlow remains a predictable and secure town, with crime levels staying consistent month after month.

How To Keep Safe in Marlow

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type in Marlow, accounting for 41.0% of all incidents. To stay safe, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when in the town centre late at night. Stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through poorly lit areas.

Other theft and shoplifting combined account for 22.5% of reports, so being mindful of personal belongings in public spaces and retail areas is wise. Anti-social behaviour is also a notable factor (9.4%), so reporting any concerns to the local authorities can help maintain community safety. With property crime being lower than average, maintaining standard security like locking all doors and windows is still vital. For residents, joining a local Neighbourhood Watch can provide valuable community insights and an extra layer of security. For vehicle owners, always double-check your car is locked and never leave valuables on display to deter opportunistic theft. Reporting suspicious activity helps maintain a safer environment for the entire Marlow community.

In Marlow, crime patterns show a distinct shift between day and night. During the morning and afternoon, theft and shoplifting are the most common offences, accounting for over 60% of crimes. This is typical for a town with a busy retail and commercial centre. However, as night falls, the nature of crime shifts towards more serious property offences. Between 12am and 6am, vehicle crime accounts for a substantial 34% of all reported incidents, while burglary rises to 16%. This suggests that while daytime crime is largely opportunistic theft in public spaces, the night-time brings a much higher specific risk to parked vehicles and residential properties. Residents should be particularly vigilant about securing their homes and cars overnight.

Marlow is a major urban centre for its part of the region, and its crime figures reflect this role. When compared to nearby settlements like Marlow Bottom (24.4 per 1,000) and Cookham (35.6 per 1,000), Marlow's rate of 55.6 is higher. Other immediate neighbours like Bovingdon Green and Mundaydean Bottom reported crime rates of 0.0 in this period. As the primary economic and social hub for these surrounding areas, Marlow naturally attracts higher levels of reported activity, which is typical for a prosperous town serving a wider residential community.

In Marlow, where the property crime rate is a low 20.7 per 1,000 residents, homeowners enjoy a high level of safety, but the risk of high-value theft remains. Traditional security measures, like standard CCTV or basic alarm systems, are reactive. They record a crime as it happens or alert you after an intruder has already entered your home, which often leaves you with footage of a loss but does nothing to prevent it.

For those seeking the highest level of protection, proactive security is the most effective choice. The scOS AI-powered home security system is designed to stop crime before it reaches your front door. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously with intelligent AI, scOS can identify a potential intruder at your property boundary. It distinguishes between your family, delivery drivers, and genuine threats, only alerting you when necessary. With autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers, scOS destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. This proactive approach turns your home into a hard target, ensuring that criminals move on to an easier, less protected property.