Merton Crime Rate

Merton is a secure and well-regarded local authority in South West London, reflected in its high safety score of 83/100. The borough's overall crime rate of 78.0 per 1,000 people is comfortably below the UK average of 91.7. According to data from December 2024 to November 2025, the crime trend in Merton is stable, showing a minor -4.4% decrease year-over-year. This consistency indicates that Merton is maintaining its reputation as one of the safer areas in the capital. While overall crime is lower than the national average, property-related offences—particularly shoplifting and vehicle crime—remain key areas of focus. The following report provides a comprehensive breakdown of Merton's crime statistics to help you understand the local safety landscape.

Merton is a vibrant and diverse local authority in South West London, characterized by its mix of suburban residential neighbourhoods and active commercial centres. It is perhaps most famous globally as the home of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, an event that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and significantly influences local activity and transport during the summer months. The borough features a blend of affluent areas like Wimbledon Village and more urban, densely populated districts such as Mitcham and Morden. This demographic variety contributes to its crime profile, with busy retail hubs and transport interchanges like Wimbledon and Morden acting as focal points for certain types of activity. Merton is generally considered one of the safer London boroughs, offering a high standard of living and extensive green spaces, including Wimbledon Common and Morden Hall Park. Its economy is supported by a strong retail sector and excellent transport links to central London, which creates a transient population that can impact statistics for theft and anti-social behaviour.

In Merton, the criminal landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 27.7% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 21.6% and shoplifting at 9.1%. These figures reflect the borough's mix of residential and busy commercial zones.

When examining property crime collectively—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and various forms of theft—the rate in Merton is 30.8 per 1,000 people. This is slightly lower than the UK average of 32.3, suggesting that Merton is relatively secure compared to many urban local authorities. However, property-related offences still make up a substantial portion of local activity. Shoplifting and vehicle crime are the most prominent property issues, with burglary accounting for 4.5% of the total crime count. For residents and business owners, these statistics indicate that while Merton is generally safe, maintaining robust security for homes, vehicles, and retail premises is essential to mitigate the risk from opportunistic offenders.

Merton's crime trend is currently stable, with a -4.4% change year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a consistent crime rate, with the monthly rate per 1,000 people fluctuating between 5.7 and 7.7. The safest month during this period was February 2025, while July saw the highest level of activity. This steady, slightly downward trend is an encouraging sign for the community, suggesting that local safety initiatives and policing are proving effective. For residents, this means that while vigilance is always required—particularly in relation to property crime—the overall safety of the borough is being maintained at a high standard. The absence of any major spikes in the data suggests a stable environment where crime is being managed effectively.

Merton is a standout for safety within the South West London region. When compared to neighbours like Sutton, which has a similar crime rate of 75.9 per 1,000, Merton consistently reports high safety scores. While direct comparisons to more central neighbours like Lambeth show Merton to be significantly more secure, it also holds its own against other desirable boroughs like Kingston and Richmond. Its lower overall crime rate compared to the UK average makes it a regional benchmark for safety, providing a secure environment for its residents while managing the demands of its active commercial and sporting hubs.

With a property crime rate of 30.8 per 1,000 people—just below the UK average—Merton residents enjoy a relatively secure environment, yet the persistence of shoplifting, vehicle crime, and burglary underscores the need for effective home protection. In a borough where these property concerns are consistent, traditional reactive security is often found wanting. Reactive systems, such as standard CCTV or basic alarms, typically only alert you after a breach has occurred, leaving you with little more than footage of the incident.

For those in Merton who want genuine peace of mind, a proactive approach is essential. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. By monitoring your property boundaries in real-time, scOS can identify potential threats and intervene autonomously. Whether it's verifying vehicle license plates or using light and sound to deter an intruder within the first 60 seconds, scOS removes the opportunity that criminals rely on. In a borough where property is a regular target for opportunistic offenders, having a system that actively defends your home and vehicles is a vital investment. Professional-grade protection like scOS ensures your property remains a hard target, maintaining the high standards of safety that Merton is known for.

How To Keep Safe in Merton

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Merton, accounting for 27.7% of all reports. While the borough is generally safer than the national average, taking proactive steps can further enhance your personal and property security.

1. Be Mindful in Retail and Transport Hubs: When visiting busy areas like Wimbledon town centre or major transport interchanges, stay alert to your surroundings. Keep personal belongings secure and be aware of those around you to prevent opportunistic theft.
2. Prioritise Vehicle Security: With vehicle crime being a notable local issue (7.5% of total crime), always ensure your car is locked and parked in a well-lit area. Consider using steering locks or Faraday bags for keyless fobs to prevent modern relay theft.
3. Enhance Home Boundaries: Use motion-activated lighting and clear physical barriers to deter intruders. Proactive AI security can provide an extra layer of boundary protection, which is particularly effective in residential areas.
4. Be Aware During Major Events: During the Wimbledon Championships, the borough sees a large influx of visitors. Stay extra vigilant in public spaces and ensure your home is secure if you are away during this period.
5. Report Suspicious Activity Promptly: If you see something that doesn't feel right, report it via 101. Early reporting of suspicious behavior, especially around vehicles or homes, can prevent more serious crimes from occurring.