Malborough Crime Rate

Malborough, within South Hams, presents a crime rate of 32.4 per 1,000 residents over the period of January to December 2025. This figure, while higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, must be considered within the context of its small population of 2034. The safety score for Malborough stands at 91/100, indicating a generally safe environment. While crime levels have remained relatively stable, with a -1.5% year-on-year decrease, understanding the specific types of crimes prevalent in the area is essential for residents.

The crime landscape in Malborough reveals a concerning prevalence of violence and sexual offences, accounting for 53.0% of reported crimes. These are followed by theft (16.1%), and public order offences (9.1%). Burglary, while less frequent, remains a worry, impacting 3.4 residents per 1,000. Other crimes, including anti-social behaviour, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, contribute to the overall crime statistics. The relatively small population of Malborough (2034) means that even a small number of incidents can significantly impact the crime rate per 1,000 residents.

Crime rates in Malborough have remained relatively stable, showing a slight decrease of -1.5% year-on-year. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveal fluctuations, with periods of higher crime rates, such as January (4.4 per 1,000/month) and April (4.4 per 1,000/month), contrasted by lower rates in February (1.0 per 1,000/month) and August (1.5 per 1,000/month). This fluctuating pattern underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance and community engagement.

How To Keep Safe in Malborough

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, residents should be mindful of their surroundings, especially when out alone. Lock your doors and windows, even when you're at home. Report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Consider joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme to foster community vigilance. Due to the risk of burglary, ensure valuables are kept out of sight and that your home security system is regularly maintained. Finally, be aware of your belongings and surroundings to prevent opportunistic theft.

Crimes in Malborough demonstrate varied patterns throughout the day. Burglary is most common during the afternoon (43%), followed by the evening (42%). Violence and sexual offences are concentrated during the evening (42%), particularly on weekends. Vehicle crime is most prevalent overnight (34%), while theft sees its highest incidence during commercial hours in the afternoon (39%). Understanding these patterns can help residents be more aware of potential risks at different times of the day.

Compared to neighbouring areas, Malborough’s crime rate is notably lower than Salcombe (49.0 per 1,000), which faces a higher level of reported crime. Conversely, Inner Hope and South Milton report zero crime incidents, demonstrating a significantly safer environment. Thurlestone also shows a zero crime rate. These comparisons highlight the variability in crime levels within the South Hams region.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred. However, a proactive approach to home security, such as that offered by scOS, can fundamentally change this dynamic. scOS utilizes AI to detect potential threats at your property boundary – watching all cameras simultaneously and instantly verifying vehicle registrations via the DVLA database. By learning your family's routines and recognising deliveries, scOS minimises false alarms and intervenes before a break-in can happen. Most burglars make their decision within 60 seconds; the visible deterrence of a professional-grade security system like scOS can often be enough to make them reconsider and move on, preventing crime entirely.