Marlow Crime Rate

Crime and Safety in Marlow

Marlow is a very safe and affluent town, with an overall crime rate of 54.8 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7. The town's high level of safety is further evidenced by its safety score of 87/100, which is well above the UK average of 79. Recent data indicates that the crime trend in Marlow is stable, with a minor 0.1% change year-over-year. As a historic riverside town, Marlow offers a peaceful and secure environment for its residents. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, time patterns, and safety advice based on the most recent statistics from December 2024 to November 2025.

Crime Breakdown in Marlow

In Marlow, the safety landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 40.0% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 21.9 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by 'other theft' at 12.8% and shoplifting at 10.3%. These statistics indicate that personal safety and opportunistic retail-related offences are the most frequent concerns for the local community.

Property-related crime in Marlow—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—has a combined rate of 20.8 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Within this category, other theft is the largest contributor at 12.8%, followed by shoplifting at 10.3%. Criminal damage and arson account for 6.1% of total crime, while vehicle crime and burglary are very low, representing 3.7% and 2.7% respectively. For residents, this suggests that while the risk of a serious break-in is statistically very modest, opportunistic theft in the busy town centre and commercial areas is more common. Homeowners should focus on securing their property against these more frequent types of opportunistic crime.

Crime Trends in Marlow

The crime trend in Marlow is currently stable, with a minor 0.1% increase in total offences compared to the previous year. This indicates that the town is successfully maintaining its high safety levels. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a peak in April and May 2025, where the crime rate reached 6.1 per 1,000 residents. The lowest activity was recorded in January 2025 at 2.6 per 1,000.

The peak in spring is a common fluctuation, often linked to the start of the tourist season and increased outdoor activity. However, the subsequent return to more moderate levels throughout the year suggests that there is no sustained rise in criminal activity. For residents, the overall stable trend is a reassuring sign that Marlow remains a consistently safe and secure environment, with crime rates staying far below the national average. Monitoring these patterns helps the community stay vigilant during historically busier months.

How To Keep Safe in Marlow

The most prevalent crime type in Marlow is violence and sexual offences, though the absolute number of incidents is low. In a safe riverside town, personal safety is often about being aware of your surroundings during the evening hours.

To stay safe in Marlow, especially when walking along the river or in the town centre at night, try to stick to well-lit routes. While the area is very safe, it is always a good idea to let someone know your plans if you are out alone.

For residents, 'other theft' and shoplifting are the next most common concerns. Opportunistic theft can be a problem in any busy town centre, so always ensure that your bags are zipped and valuables are kept out of sight. At home, ensuring your property has visible security measures like good lighting can deter low-level disruption. If you have a vehicle, always ensure it is locked and remove all valuables, as vehicle crime accounts for a higher percentage of incidents during the night (34% of night-time crime). Engaging with local neighbourhood watch schemes can also help you stay informed about any local issues. By taking these simple steps, you can help maintain Marlow’s status as a safe and welcoming place to live.

Crime Time Patterns in Marlow

Analysis of crime timing in Marlow reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. The morning hours (6am - 12pm) are dominated by theft-related offences, which account for 66% of reported incidents. This peak coincides with the opening of shops and increased footfall in the town centre. This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), where theft remains high at 68%, suggesting that daytime is the primary window for opportunistic retail crime and shoplifting.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), the profile shifts, with 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order offences—rising to 41% of total incidents. This reflects the transition to the town's social scene and riverside activities. During the night (12am - 6am), vehicle crime becomes a major concern, accounting for 34% of all reports. Burglary also reaches its highest relative frequency during this period at 16%. For residents, this data suggests that property and vehicle security is most critical overnight, while personal awareness in the town centre is key during the daytime.

Nearby Area Comparison

In the regional context, Marlow is a high-safety benchmark. Nearby areas like Marlow Bottom (24.2) and Cookham (35.4) report even lower crime rates, while smaller hamlets like Bovingdon Green and Mundaydean Bottom report crime rates of 0.0. Marlow’s rate of 54.8 is expectedly higher due to its larger population and status as a major commercial and tourist destination. However, it remains much safer than the larger urban centres in the region. For those considering the area, Marlow provides the amenities of a bustling town with a safety profile that is far superior to most urban settlements in the Home Counties, making it a highly desirable and secure place to live.

Proactive Security in Marlow

Marlow has a property crime rate of 20.8 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the UK average. However, the data shows that certain crimes, like opportunistic theft and shoplifting, are persistent concerns, particularly during the busy daytime hours. Traditional security systems, such as basic alarms or standard CCTV, are often reactive—they notify you after an incident has occurred or provide footage of a thief who has already left.

For Marlow homeowners who want to maintain their high safety standards, a proactive approach is the best solution. The scOS AI-powered security system uses intelligent monitoring to detect threats at your property boundary. It can distinguish between a delivery person and a potential intruder in real-time. By triggering autonomous responses—such as activating deterrent lighting or audio alerts—scOS can stop a crime before it happens. In an area where property crime is low but still present, having an AI that never blinks and actively defends your home provides a level of security that traditional DIY systems simply cannot match. Moving to proactive protection is the best way to ensure your home remains a safe haven.