Crime Statistics

South Merstham Crime Rate

+3.0%year-over-year

Crime is stable and MODERATE in South Merstham

South Merstham has a crime rate of 96.8 per 1,000 residents and a safety score of 79/100, aligning with the UK average.

Overall Crime Rate

96.8
Crimes per 1,000 people
stable trend

Property Crime Rate

30.6
Property crimes per 1,000 people
Includes burglary, theft, vandalism

How South Merstham Compares to UK Average

Overall Crime:96.8vs 93.4 UK avg
+3.4 per 1,000 people
Property Crime:30.6vs 33.2 UK avg
-2.6 per 1,000 people

South Merstham's crime rate is similar to UK average

Based on population of 10,186 over 12 months

Crime Statistics Summary for South Merstham

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

Crime rates per 1,000 people in South Merstham
Overall Crime Rate96.8 per 1,000 people
Property Crime Rate30.6 per 1,000 people
UK Average Crime Rate93.4 per 1,000 people
UK Average Property Crime Rate33.2 per 1,000 people
Safety Score79 out of 100
Population10,186
Trendstable
Comparisonsimilar to UK average
Crime Breakdown by Type in South Merstham
Crime TypeTotal CountPer 1,000 PeoplePercentage of Total
Violence and sexual offences30529.931%
Anti-social behaviour21020.621%
Public order908.89%
Criminal damage and arson888.69%
Shoplifting8188%
Vehicle crime706.97%
Drugs353.44%
Other theft343.33%
Burglary262.53%
Other crime181.82%
Possession of weapons161.62%
Robbery80.81%
Bicycle theft30.30%
Theft from the person20.20%

Introduction to Crime in South Merstham

South Merstham, an urban settlement within Reigate and Banstead, reports an annual crime rate of 96.8 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly above the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. The area achieves a safety score of 79 out of 100, aligning closely with the national average of 78. Over the past year, South Merstham has experienced a stable crime trend, with a minor increase of 3.0% year-over-year. This introduction provides a concise overview of South Merstham's crime statistics, setting the context for a more detailed examination of specific crime types, trends, and temporal patterns.

South Merstham Safety Score

79
Safe
Safety Score out of 100

South Merstham 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 South Merstham

#1

Violence and sexual offences

Percentage:31%
Per 1,000:29.9
Total:305
#2

Anti-social behaviour

Percentage:21%
Per 1,000:20.6
Total:210
#3

Public order

Percentage:9%
Per 1,000:8.8
Total:90
#4

Criminal damage and arson

Percentage:9%
Per 1,000:8.6
Total:88
#5

Shoplifting

Percentage:8%
Per 1,000:8
Total:81

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 South Merstham

In South Merstham, the most prevalent crime types are Violence and sexual offences, Anti-social behaviour, and Public order offences. Violence and sexual offences account for 305 crimes annually, representing 30.9% of all reported incidents and a rate of 29.9 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows with 210 crimes (21.3% of the total, 20.6 per 1,000), and Public order offences sum to 90 incidents (9.1% of the total, 8.8 per 1,000). Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, registers a rate of 30.6 per 1,000 people per year in South Merstham. This is slightly below the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specific figures include 26 burglaries (2.5 per 1,000), 70 vehicle crimes (6.9 per 1,000), and 34 other theft incidents (3.3 per 1,000). Criminal damage and arson also represent 88 crimes (8.6 per 1,000), and shoplifting 81 crimes (8.0 per 1,000). These statistics indicate that property crime is a notable concern, though marginally less prevalent than the national average. Residents and homeowners should remain vigilant, particularly regarding vehicle security and general property protection.

Crime Types Breakdown

Violence and sexual offences
305 incidents (29.9 per 1,000)
Anti-social behaviour
210 incidents (20.6 per 1,000)
Public order
90 incidents (8.8 per 1,000)
Criminal damage and arson
88 incidents (8.6 per 1,000)
Shoplifting
81 incidents (8 per 1,000)
Vehicle crime
70 incidents (6.9 per 1,000)
Drugs
35 incidents (3.4 per 1,000)
Other theft
34 incidents (3.3 per 1,000)
Burglary
26 incidents (2.5 per 1,000)
Other crime
18 incidents (1.8 per 1,000)
Possession of weapons
16 incidents (1.6 per 1,000)
Robbery
8 incidents (0.8 per 1,000)
Bicycle theft
3 incidents (0.3 per 1,000)
Theft from the person
2 incidents (0.2 per 1,000)

Crime Rate Trend

↑ 29.3% change(over 12 months)
South Merstham
UK Average

Compare South Merstham with similar populations

South Merstham has a 3.6% higher crime rate than the UK average.

Crime Trends in South Merstham

South Merstham has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a minor increase of 3.0% in total crimes year-over-year. The monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents has shown fluctuations, starting at 7.5 in October 2024 and dipping to a low of 5.8 in January 2025. There was a notable peak in May 2025 at 11.1 per 1,000, before settling at 9.7 in September 2025. This pattern suggests a generally consistent level of crime with some significant monthly variations, indicating a stable but fluctuating safety environment. For residents, this trend suggests the need for ongoing awareness of local crime patterns.

When Do Crimes Happen in South Merstham?

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 South Merstham'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 South Merstham?

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

Other38%
Vehicle Crime28%
Theft26%
Burglary8%
Violence0%

Morning hours show a mix of 'other' crimes and vehicle-related incidents, with notable theft.

Afternoon

12pm - 6pm

Other41%
Theft32%
Burglary16%
Vehicle Crime12%
Violence0%

Afternoon sees a prevalence of 'other' crimes and theft, with a significant proportion of burglaries.

Evening

6pm - 12am

Other54%
Vehicle Crime25%
Burglary11%
Theft9%
Violence0%

Evening hours are dominated by 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, alongside vehicle crime.

Night

12am - 6am

Vehicle Crime53%
Other31%
Burglary11%
Theft4%
Violence0%

Overnight hours are highly vulnerable to vehicle crime, with 'other' crimes also present when streets 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 South Merstham's specific crime type distribution from Police.uk. This is not real historical data for specific times in South Merstham, but a model-generated estimate based on the area's crime composition and national timing patterns.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in South Merstham

Crime patterns in South Merstham show distinct hourly variations. During the morning (6am-12pm), 'other' crimes, often including violence and anti-social behaviour, are highest at 38%, with vehicle crime also significant at 28% and theft at 26%. In the afternoon (12pm-6pm), 'other' crimes remain high at 41%, while theft is 32% and burglary 16%, suggesting opportunistic incidents. As the evening progresses (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes become the majority at 54%, with vehicle crime at 25%, highlighting increased social activity and related incidents. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime peaks significantly at 53%, followed by 'other' crimes at 31%, indicating increased vulnerability for unattended vehicles and properties under the cover of darkness.

Crime Rates Near Reigate And Banstead

Crawley

9.5 miles

128.7
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Croydon

8.0 miles

106.7
per 1,000
High Risk

Epsom and Ewell

7.4 miles

79.4
per 1,000
Low Risk

Sutton

6.9 miles

75.5
per 1,000
Low Risk

Reigate and Banstead

2.2 miles

70.0
per 1,000
Low Risk

Mole Valley

7.2 miles

64.9
per 1,000
Low Risk

Crime Rate Risk Levels

Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

Explore Nearby Areas

Merstham

1.0 miles

0.0
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Gatton

1.1 miles

0.0
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Brewer Street

1.5 miles

0.0
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Nutfield

1.6 miles

0.0
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Police Response Times in South Merstham

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

24 minActual
Actual
24 min
Target
15 min
UK Average
15 min
9 min slower than target

Grade 2 - Priority

Priority Response

8h 11mActual
Actual
8h 11m
Target
1h
UK Average
1h
7h 11m slower than target

Active Officers

2,330

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 South Merstham Compare?

Haxby

46.1
crimes per 1,000 people
52.4% safer than South Merstham

Helston

62.9
crimes per 1,000 people
35.0% safer than South Merstham

Pontllanfraith

69.8
crimes per 1,000 people
27.9% safer than South Merstham

Rothwell (North Northamptonshire)

74.0
crimes per 1,000 people
23.6% safer than South Merstham

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

South Merstham's crime rate of 96.8 per 1,000 residents is slightly above the national average, providing a useful comparison with its neighbours. Merstham, another urban area, would likely show similar crime trends due to shared characteristics. Smaller, more rural settlements like Gatton, Brewer Street, and Nutfield typically report significantly lower crime rates, which is characteristic of their quieter, less densely populated environments. South Merstham, with its urban nature and transport links, experiences crime patterns reflective of such an area. This comparison helps residents understand South Merstham's position within the immediate geographical context, highlighting its specific challenges alongside its overall safety score which is close to the UK average.

Why scOS Is Different From Every Other Security System

Traditional systems watch crime happen. scOS stops it from happening.

Sees Everything At Once

AI watches all cameras simultaneously. Never blinks. Never looks away. Impossible to sneak past.

Property line intervention

Knows Every Vehicle

DVLA verification catches fake plates instantly. Suspicious car? You know before they park.

Stop them early

Learns Your Patterns

Recognizes family, delivery times, normal routines. Only alerts you to real threats.

Zero false alarms

Traditional CCTV

  • •Records crime as it happens
  • •Motion alerts for every shadow, leaf, or car passing by
  • •You discover break-in hours later or are in the middle of it
  • •Hope police can use the footage

scOS Intelligence

  • •Stops threats before they reach your door
  • •Intelligent motion alerts — only notifies you of real threats
  • •Lights and speakers respond autonomously
  • •They turn away before you even know

What used to be impossible is now effortless.

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Protecting Your Property in South Merstham

With South Merstham experiencing a property crime rate of 30.6 per 1,000 people, which is close to the national average, robust home security is a crucial consideration for residents. While traditional CCTV cameras can record a burglary, they often don't prevent it, providing footage after the fact. The most effective approach is proactive prevention – stopping an incident before it happens. Consider an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS, designed to provide advanced, real-time protection. Unlike systems that merely document a crime, scOS detects threats at your property's boundary using multi-camera intelligence that never blinks. It learns your property’s routines, differentiating between family, deliveries, and genuine intruders, thus minimising false alarms. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification can help identify suspicious vehicles. The system's autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, creates an immediate deterrent, aiming to disrupt a burglar's plan within the critical 60 seconds they often take to decide. Professional-grade security like scOS offers a robust alternative to reactive recording, providing peace of mind by actively working to prevent crime at your property line.

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Understanding Our Data

How we source and verify crime information for South Merstham

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 South Merstham. 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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