Marlow Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Marlow

Marlow, a picturesque town in Buckinghamshire, boasts a favourable crime profile with an overall crime rate of 53.5 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000, contributing to Marlow's excellent safety score of 87 out of 100, well above the national average of 78. Furthermore, the area has experienced a positive trend, with a notable decrease of 8.4% in its year-over-year crime figures. This introduction provides a concise overview of Marlow's crime landscape, setting the context for a deeper analysis of specific crime types, temporal patterns, and comparisons with neighbouring communities.

Crime Type Analysis in Marlow

In Marlow, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, with 329 incidents recorded, representing 41.3% of all crimes at a rate of 22.1 per 1,000 residents. Other theft ranks as the second most common offence, with 91 reported incidents, making up 11.4% of the total, at 6.1 per 1,000. Shoplifting follows as the third most frequent, with 82 crimes, representing 10.3% of all offences at 5.5 per 1,000 people.

Focusing on property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Marlow records a rate of 20.2 per 1,000 residents. This figure is considerably lower than the national property crime average of 33.2 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively safer environment for homeowners and residents regarding their possessions. Specific concerns include vehicle crime at 2.1 per 1,000 and burglary at 1.8 per 1,000. The overall lower property crime rate suggests that while vigilance is always important, particularly regarding theft, the risk is generally reduced compared to many other parts of the UK.

Crime Trends in Marlow

Marlow has experienced a very positive crime trend over the past year, with a significant year-over-year decrease of 8.4%. This indicates a notable improvement in the overall crime situation. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals some fluctuations but an underlying downward trajectory. The rate was 4.6 in October 2024, saw a low of 2.6 in January 2025, and then rose to 6.1 in April and May 2025 before declining to 4.0 in September 2025. This pattern suggests some monthly variations, but the overall picture is one of decreasing crime. For residents, this decreasing trend is reassuring, suggesting that efforts to maintain safety in Marlow are proving effective.

Time Patterns of Crime in Marlow

Crime in Marlow demonstrates particular temporal distributions throughout the day, influenced by community activities. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are prominent, often associated with the commencement of daily routines and commercial operations. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft continues to be prevalent, likely driven by increased public presence in commercial and public spaces. The evening period (6pm-12am) sees a shift, with 'other' crime types becoming more significant, alongside a sustained level of vehicle crime, possibly linked to social activities and unattended vehicles. In the night hours (12am-6am), vehicle crime becomes a dominant issue, often targeting parked vehicles, while burglary also remains a concern. Understanding these patterns can help residents to be more vigilant at specific times.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Marlow's crime rate of 53.5 per 1,000 residents positions it as a very safe area when compared to its immediate neighbours. Smaller, predominantly residential communities such as Marlow Bottom, Bovingdon Green, Mundaydean Bottom, and Cookham generally exhibit similar low crime figures, reflecting their quiet, suburban characteristics. Marlow consistently maintains a safety profile that is either comparable to or better than these nearby areas. This comparison reinforces Marlow's reputation as a highly secure and desirable place to live within the regional context, standing out for its low crime statistics and peaceful environment.

Protecting Your Property in Marlow

With Marlow's property crime rate at 20.2 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average, it is still prudent for homeowners to consider robust security solutions. Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings of incidents after they occur, offering evidence rather than preventing the crime itself. For those seeking to actively deter and prevent crime, a proactive approach to home security is essential.

AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS offer a significant advantage by preventing crime before it happens. These systems employ multi-camera intelligence to detect threats at the property boundary, eliminating blind spots and responding in real-time. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification can identify suspicious vehicles instantly, while pattern learning distinguishes between family routines and genuine threats, reducing false alarms. An autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, can disorient intruders and make them move on within the crucial 60-second decision window. This professional-grade deterrence signals serious protection, offering a proactive alternative to systems that merely record a burglary, thereby enhancing the safety of your home and belongings.