Crime Statistics

Merton Crime Rate

-3.3%year-over-year

Crime is stable and LOW in Merton

Merton (BUA) has a crime rate of 79.0 per 1,000, stable year-over-year. Explore detailed crime statistics, trends, and safety advice.

Overall Crime Rate

79.0
Crimes per 1,000 people
stable trend

Property Crime Rate

32.2
Property crimes per 1,000 people
Includes burglary, theft, vandalism

How Merton Compares to UK Average

Overall Crime:79.0vs 93.4 UK avg
-14.4 per 1,000 people
Property Crime:32.2vs 33.2 UK avg
-1.0 per 1,000 people

Merton's crime rate is significantly lower than UK average

Based on population of 218,833 over 12 months

Crime Statistics Summary for Merton

Data last updated: September 2025. Source: Police.uk, ONS, Home Office.

Crime rates per 1,000 people in Merton
Overall Crime Rate79 per 1,000 people
Property Crime Rate32.2 per 1,000 people
UK Average Crime Rate93.4 per 1,000 people
UK Average Property Crime Rate33.2 per 1,000 people
Safety Score83 out of 100
Population218,833
Trendstable
Comparisonsignificantly lower than UK average
Crime Breakdown by Type in Merton
Crime TypeTotal CountPer 1,000 PeoplePercentage of Total
Violence and sexual offences4,5872127%
Anti-social behaviour3,70816.921%
Shoplifting1,7738.110%
Vehicle crime1,31268%
Other theft1,1585.37%
Criminal damage and arson1,0464.86%
Public order9554.46%
Burglary8103.75%
Drugs6813.14%
Theft from the person3841.82%
Robbery3581.62%
Other crime21511%
Bicycle theft2030.91%
Possession of weapons890.41%

Introduction to Crime in Merton (BUA)

The Built-Up Area of Merton, with a population of 218,833, records an overall crime rate of 79.0 per 1,000 people per year. This places the area's crime rate below the national average of 93.4 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safer environment compared to many other UK locations. Merton's safety score is 83 out of 100, exceeding the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent developments, Merton's crime rate has demonstrated stability, with a slight year-over-year decrease of 3.3%. This consistent trend provides a foundation for understanding the local crime landscape, which will be further detailed in the following sections on specific crime types and temporal patterns.

Merton Safety Score

83
Safe
Safety Score out of 100

Merton has a relatively good safety score compared to the UK average (78).

0-20
20-40
40-60
60-80
80-100

Most Common Crimes in Merton

#1

Violence and sexual offences

Percentage:27%
Per 1,000:21
Total:4,587
#2

Anti-social behaviour

Percentage:21%
Per 1,000:16.9
Total:3,708
#3

Shoplifting

Percentage:10%
Per 1,000:8.1
Total:1,773
#4

Vehicle crime

Percentage:8%
Per 1,000:6
Total:1,312
#5

Other theft

Percentage:7%
Per 1,000:5.3
Total:1,158

Protect Against These Threats

scOS security systems are designed to detect and deter the most common crimes in your area, providing 24/7 autonomous protection.

Protect Against These Threats

Crime Type Analysis in Merton (BUA)

In the Merton Built-Up Area, the most significant crime categories are Violence and sexual offences, Anti-social behaviour, and Shoplifting. Violence and sexual offences constitute the largest proportion, accounting for 26.6% of all crimes at a rate of 21.0 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most common, making up 21.5% of the total with a rate of 16.9 per 1,000. Shoplifting is the third most frequent, representing 10.3% of crimes at 8.1 per 1,000. Property-related crime, a crucial concern for residents, includes burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft. Merton BUA's property crime rate stands at 32.2 per 1,000 people per year, which is marginally lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. Within this category, vehicle crime is 6.0 per 1,000, other theft is 5.3 per 1,000, and burglary is 3.7 per 1,000. These figures indicate that residents and homeowners should be particularly mindful of securing vehicles and properties, as these remain notable areas of criminal activity alongside the more prevalent issues of violence and anti-social behaviour.

Crime Types Breakdown

Violence and sexual offences
4,587 incidents (21 per 1,000)
Anti-social behaviour
3,708 incidents (16.9 per 1,000)
Shoplifting
1,773 incidents (8.1 per 1,000)
Vehicle crime
1,312 incidents (6 per 1,000)
Other theft
1,158 incidents (5.3 per 1,000)
Criminal damage and arson
1,046 incidents (4.8 per 1,000)
Public order
955 incidents (4.4 per 1,000)
Burglary
810 incidents (3.7 per 1,000)
Drugs
681 incidents (3.1 per 1,000)
Theft from the person
384 incidents (1.8 per 1,000)
Robbery
358 incidents (1.6 per 1,000)
Other crime
215 incidents (1 per 1,000)
Bicycle theft
203 incidents (0.9 per 1,000)
Possession of weapons
89 incidents (0.4 per 1,000)

Crime Rate Trend

↓ 14.3% change(over 12 months)
Merton
UK Average

Compare Merton with similar populations

Merton has a 15.4% lower crime rate than the UK average.

Crime Trends in Merton (BUA)

The Merton Built-Up Area has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a year-over-year decrease of 3.3% in total reported crimes. This indicates a consistent, slightly improving environment regarding overall criminal activity. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents provides further insight into these patterns. Starting at 7.0 in October 2024, the rate saw a dip to 6.0 in December 2024 and 5.7 in February 2025, before rising to a high of 7.7 in July 2025. Following this summer peak, the rate decreased to 6.5 in August 2025 and 6.0 in September 2025. This fluctuation suggests potential seasonal influences, with a tendency for higher rates during the summer months, but the overarching trend remains one of stability. Residents can interpret this as a generally consistent safety level, with minor seasonal variations that might warrant increased vigilance at certain times of the year.

When Do Crimes Happen in Merton?

Understanding peak crime times helps you stay vigilant and secure your property when it matters most.

Simulated Data

This heatmap shows estimated crime patterns based on Merton's crime statistics, crime type distribution, and general knowledge of when different crimes typically occur. This is not real historical data for specific times.

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Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Crime Likelihood:
Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

Pro Tip: Burglaries peak on weekday evenings (6pm-midnight) and during work hours (10am-3pm) when homes appear empty. scOS smart security stays alert around the clock — detecting threats instantly, whether you're home or away.

What Types of Crime Happen When in Merton?

Different crimes occur at different times. This breakdown shows which crime types dominate each time period.

Based on Crime-Type Weighted Model

Morning

6am - 12pm

Theft46%
Other23%
Vehicle Crime20%
Burglary11%
Violence0%

Morning hours see elevated theft and vehicle crime as daily routines begin.

Afternoon

12pm - 6pm

Theft48%
Other26%
Burglary19%
Vehicle Crime7%
Violence0%

Peak shopping and activity hours drive high theft and burglary offences.

Evening

6pm - 12am

Other43%
Theft22%
Vehicle Crime19%
Burglary16%
Violence0%

Evening hours show increased 'other' crimes, including public order and violence.

Night

12am - 6am

Vehicle Crime47%
Other25%
Burglary19%
Theft10%
Violence0%

Night sees a surge in vehicle crime and significant burglary when properties are quiet.

Simulated Data - Crime-Type Weighted Model

These crime patterns are estimated using the Crime Survey for England and Wales (ONS) time-of-day data, weighted by Merton's specific crime type distribution from Police.uk. This is not real historical data for specific times in Merton, but a model-generated estimate based on the area's crime composition and national timing patterns.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Merton (BUA)

An examination of crime patterns throughout the day in Merton's Built-Up Area reveals distinct shifts in criminal activity. The Morning (6am-12pm) period is predominantly affected by theft, accounting for 46% of crimes, followed by vehicle crime at 20% and burglary at 11%. This often correlates with people leaving for work and commercial areas opening. In the Afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains the most significant issue at 48%, with burglary also elevated at 19%, suggesting peak activity during shopping hours and when properties may be unattended. As the day progresses into the Evening (6pm-12am), a different pattern emerges, with "Other" crimes, likely including public order and violence, becoming the most prevalent at 43%. Theft reduces to 22%, and vehicle crime and burglary are still present at 19% and 16% respectively. Finally, during the Night (12am-6am), vehicle crime surges to 47%, becoming the dominant offence, alongside significant burglary at 19%. This period typically sees properties more vulnerable to intrusion and vehicles targeted. Understanding these hourly and daily fluctuations allows residents to be more vigilant at specific times.

Crime Rates Near Merton

Lambeth

5.3 miles

150.6
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Hammersmith and Fulham

5.3 miles

144.1
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Kingston upon Thames

3.7 miles

85.3
per 1,000
Moderate Risk

Merton

0.6 miles

79.1
per 1,000
Low Risk

Richmond upon Thames

4.3 miles

76.7
per 1,000
Low Risk

Sutton

3.9 miles

75.5
per 1,000
Low Risk

Crime Rate Risk Levels

Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

Explore Nearby Areas

Worcester Park and Stoneleigh

3.5 miles

34.6
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Sutton (Sutton)

3.8 miles

77.6
per 1,000
Low Risk

Kingston upon Thames

3.5 miles

87.2
per 1,000
Moderate Risk

Wandsworth

3.0 miles

100.9
per 1,000
High Risk

Police Response Times in Merton

How quickly do police respond to emergencies?

Grade 1 (Immediate)

Emergency 999 calls requiring immediate attendance — crimes in progress, threat to life, or serious injury.

Grade 2 (Priority)

Serious incidents needing prompt response but no immediate threat to life — recent crimes, vulnerable victims.

Grade 1 - Immediate

Emergency Response

10 minActual
Actual
10 min
Target
15 min
UK Average
15 min
5 min faster than target

Grade 2 - Priority

Priority Response

43 minActual
Actual
43 min
Target
1h
UK Average
1h
17 min faster than target

Active Officers

33,293

Each = 500 officers

Police Stations

Pending

Station count data is being collected

Why Response Time Matters

The average burglary takes just 8-10 minutes. Even when police respond quickly, burglars are often gone before anyone arrives.

scOS spots trouble the moment it starts — your lights come on, sirens sound, and you get an alert on your phone. Burglars don't stick around when they've lost the element of surprise.

2024 data
Mean response times
Source: FOI Request

How Does Merton Compare?

Islington

186.9
crimes per 1,000 people
136.6% higher than Merton

Portsmouth

123.8
crimes per 1,000 people
56.7% higher than Merton

Sutton (Sutton)

77.6
crimes per 1,000 people
1.8% safer than Merton

Reading

102.3
crimes per 1,000 people
29.5% higher than Merton

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When comparing the Merton Built-Up Area's crime statistics with neighbouring localities, a regional context emerges. Merton BUA's overall crime rate of 79.0 per 1,000 is comparable to or slightly lower than the broader Wandsworth area. It generally sits above more suburban areas such as Worcester Park and Stoneleigh, and Sutton (Sutton), which typically experience lower crime volumes due to their predominantly residential character. Kingston upon Thames, another nearby urban centre, often presents a similar crime profile, balancing residential and commercial activities. This comparison highlights that while Merton BUA is a relatively safe urban area, it aligns with or is slightly higher than its more suburban neighbours, reflecting its status as a significant urban settlement. Understanding these local variations can help residents gauge their immediate environment against the wider region.

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Traditional CCTV

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  • •Hope police can use the footage

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Enhancing Your Property Protection in Merton (BUA)

With Merton BUA experiencing a property crime rate of 32.2 per 1,000, which is on par with the national average, residents should consider robust security solutions. Relying solely on traditional CCTV often means you only get footage of a burglary after it has happened. For truly effective protection, a proactive approach to home security is paramount. Advanced AI-powered systems like scOS offer a significant advantage by preventing crime before it occurs. Instead of merely recording an incident, scOS detects threats at your property's boundary using multi-camera intelligence that never misses a beat. It also uniquely verifies vehicles with DVLA integration and learns your family's routines, ensuring that only genuine threats trigger an alert. This capability allows for an autonomous response, activating lights and speakers to deter intruders, effectively destroying their element of surprise. Burglars often make their decision to proceed or retreat within 60 seconds of approaching a property. Professional-grade deterrence, such as a visible scOS system, can make that decision easy for them – they move on. While DIY security has its place, if you seek comprehensive, real-time crime prevention for your Merton property, exploring professional, proactive systems is a crucial step towards enhanced safety.

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Understanding Our Data

How we source and verify crime information for Merton

4,392+
Areas Covered
19M+
Crime Records
100%
Official Sources

Understanding the Calculations

The crime rate represents the number of recorded incidents per thousand residents in Merton. This approach ensures fair comparison regardless of area population size.

Our Information

All statistics come from official government sources: Police.uk provides recorded crime data while the Office for National Statistics supplies population figures. We aggregate data at multiple geographic levels for context.

Formula Used

Crimes per 1k residents = (Total incidents ÷ Population) × 1,000

Our statistics derive entirely from UK government databases:

  • Police.uk — Crime records from territorial police forces across England and Wales (43 total)
  • Office for National Statistics — Population statistics and the Crime Survey for England and Wales
  • Home Office — Nationwide crime data and official policy records
  • FOI Requests — Additional statistics obtained via formal requests to police services
Our system covers 4,392+ areas across England and Wales, including major urban centers, towns, and administrative regions. Data for Greater Manchester is currently unavailable. We refresh statistics immediately when official sources publish updates (generally every 8 weeks) and maintain archives for historical analysis.
Police.ukONSHome OfficeFOI

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Last updated: September 2025

New data is released by Police.uk approximately every two months

Spotted incorrect data or something that doesn't look right? Let us know and we'll investigate.

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