Merton Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Merton's crime rate for November 2025 stood at 6.1 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 16.4% below the UK average of 7.3 per 1,000. This performance highlights a relatively safe environment compared to the national context. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, comprising 31.8% of all reported crimes. This was followed by anti-social behaviour (17.2%) and vehicle crime (8.7%), which together account for over half of all incidents. The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night, the post-Black Friday shopping period, and the onset of shorter evenings—likely influenced the crime profile. For instance, the lower rate of shoplifting (37% below the UK average) may reflect reduced foot traffic in retail areas during the month. Conversely, the relatively high rate of vehicle crime (25% above the UK average) could be tied to the area’s commuter infrastructure and the increased visibility of vehicles during the early evening. The overall rate of violence and sexual offences, though lower than the UK average, remains a focus for local authorities, as these incidents often have significant social and economic impacts. The data also shows that theft from the person (38% below the UK average) and public order offences (36% below) were lower, suggesting a combination of effective policing and community engagement in these areas. As the month progressed, the interplay between seasonal events and local demographics may have contributed to the observed patterns, though further analysis would be required to confirm direct causal links.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in November 2025 was the 150% increase in 'Other crime', rising from 8 to 20 incidents. This category, which includes unclassified or lesser-reported offences, saw a surge that outpaced all other categories. Meanwhile, bicycle theft fell by 50% to 13 incidents, a reduction consistent with the post-Black Friday period and the closure of temporary retail pop-ups in the area. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common crime type, accounting for 31.8% of all reported incidents, though they were 22% below the UK average. The sharp rise in 'Other crime' may partly explain the overall mix of offences, as this category often includes emerging or niche issues not captured in standard classifications. Residents may find the 30% drop in anti-social behaviour, which fell from 331 to 230 incidents, particularly notable, as it suggests a reduction in public disorder during the month.

Merton's crime rate in November 2025 dropped by 6.0% compared to the previous month, falling from 6.5 to 6.1 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with broader seasonal patterns, as November typically sees reduced foot traffic in retail areas following the post-Black Friday lull. On a daily basis, the area recorded 45 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the local rhythm of activity without direct comparison to national averages. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 163 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low crime environment in Merton compared to the UK average. This statistic, when contextualised against the area’s population of 218,539, suggests that the majority of residents experience minimal direct interaction with crime. The reduction in anti-social behaviour by 30.5% and the sharp 50% drop in bicycle theft further illustrate the impact of seasonal factors, such as shorter evenings and reduced commuter activity, on specific crime categories.