Merton Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Merton’s crime rate in November 2025 was 6.1 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 16.4% below the UK average of 7.3 per 1,000. This performance reflects a balanced mix of crime types, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 31.8% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.2%) and vehicle crime (8.7%). The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night, Black Friday shopping, and extended dark evenings—likely influenced patterns. For instance, the relatively low rate of shoplifting (0.4 per 1,000) may be linked to heightened retail security measures during the festive season, while the high prevalence of anti-social behaviour could be tied to the area’s urban density and public transport networks. The crime mix also shows a notable underperformance in bicycle theft compared to the UK average, with Merton’s rate 67% below the national figure. This discrepancy may be explained by the presence of secure bike storage facilities in key locations, though this remains a plausible rather than proven connection. Overall, the data illustrates a crime profile shaped by both local infrastructure and seasonal dynamics, with Merton maintaining a consistently lower rate than the UK average despite the challenges of an urban environment.

November 2025 marked a dramatic shift in Merton’s crime profile, with Other crime surging by 150% compared to October, rising from 8 to 20 incidents. This category, which includes unclassified or low-priority offences, may reflect underreporting or changes in categorisation. Concurrently, bicycle theft plummeted by 50%, dropping from 26 to 13 incidents, a decline that could be attributed to seasonal factors such as reduced cycling activity in colder weather. The breakdown of crime types reveals a stark contrast with UK averages: violence and sexual offences in Merton are 22% below the national rate, while anti-social behaviour is 4% above. Shoplifting in Merton is 37% below the UK average, a trend consistent with the area’s retail landscape, which may prioritise security measures. For residents, the sharp rise in Other crime highlights the importance of reporting incidents that fall outside traditional categories, ensuring a more accurate reflection of local safety concerns.

Merton's crime rate in November 2025 stood at 6.1 per 1,000 residents, a 6.0% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.5 per 1,000. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns typical of late autumn, when reduced foot traffic in retail areas may temper opportunities for certain crimes. Daily crime figures averaged 45 incidents per day over the month, a rate that, while consistent with local rhythms, remains below the UK average. Over the course of November, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 163 residents, reflecting a relatively low monthly exposure compared to national benchmarks. This statistic contextualises the experience of Merton’s population, showing that the likelihood of encountering crime remains lower than the national average. The decrease in anti-social behaviour—down 30.5% from October—may be linked to the closure of seasonal events and reduced public gatherings. The population context also highlights that Merton’s crime profile is shaped by its urban density and the presence of multiple transport hubs, which can influence both crime opportunities and policing priorities.