Marldon Crime Rate

Marldon is a secure urban settlement located within the South Hams local authority, boasting a high safety score of 91/100. The area features an overall crime rate of 41.3 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1. However, Marldon is currently experiencing a notable upward trend in crime, with a 39.1% year-over-year increase in reported incidents. Property-related crime is also relatively low at 19.8 per 1,000 residents, compared to the UK average of 32.9. Despite the recent increase, Marldon remains one of the more secure residential options in the region. This report provides a detailed analysis of local crime types, timing patterns, and security advice to help residents protect their homes and maintain the village's safe environment.

Crime Breakdown in Marldon

Marldon’s crime statistics are primarily driven by violence and sexual offences, which account for 28.1% of all reported incidents. This is followed by other theft at 20.8% and vehicle crime at 11.5%. These three categories represent the majority of local police activity, suggesting that personal safety and property theft are the main concerns for residents.

Property-related crime in Marldon—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—has a collective rate of 19.8 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9. Within this category, other theft is the primary driver, while vehicle crime is also a notable factor at 11.5%. Burglary and shoplifting are relatively rare, contributing just 4.2% and 3.1% respectively. For homeowners, these figures indicate a secure environment for residential properties, though the incidence of other theft and vehicle crime suggests that securing belongings in public spaces and protecting vehicles on driveways or streets remains important for maintaining a safe home.

Crime Trends in Marldon

Marldon is currently experiencing a significant upward trend in its crime statistics. Year-over-year data shows a 39.1% increase in total crimes, a sharp rise that has impacted the area's safety profile. Monthly analysis from late 2024 through 2025 reveals a fluctuating pattern, with several peaks in activity.

For example, crime rates jumped to 5.2 per 1,000 in January 2025 and reached another peak of 6.5 in July 2025. These are higher compared to quieter months like March (1.3) or September (1.3). This volatility suggests that the crime rate is driven by specific periods of activity rather than a steady climb. For residents, this trend highlights the need for increased vigilance and more robust security measures to counter the growing number of reported incidents in the village. Despite the percentage increase, Marldon remains a high-safety area compared to the national average.

How To Keep Safe in Marldon

Marldon is a safe area, but violence and sexual offences (28.1%) and other theft (20.8%) are the most common reports. Vehicle crime is also a significant factor, particularly during the night and evening.

1. Ensure your vehicles are locked and parked in well-lit areas or garages overnight, as vehicle crime accounts for 56% of all incidents reported between midnight and 6am.
2. Be particularly vigilant about your personal belongings in public spaces during the afternoon, as 67% of crimes during this period are theft-related.
3. Improve your home's boundary security with motion-activated lighting to deter property-related offences and provide clear visibility for any security cameras.
4. Be a vigilant neighbour; the close-knit nature of Marldon is a strong deterrent against crime. Report any suspicious activity to the local police.
5. Consider a proactive home security system that focuses on boundary detection; this is the most effective way to prevent burglary and vehicle crime before it happens.

Crime Time Patterns in Marldon

Criminal activity in Marldon follows a distinct temporal pattern that highlights specific risks at different times of the day. Morning hours are relatively quiet, with theft being the primary concern as businesses open. However, the afternoon (12pm - 6pm) sees a significant peak in other theft, accounting for 67% of all incidents, and burglary at 11%. This suggests that properties and personal belongings are most at risk when residents are out during the working day.

In the evening, the focus shifts toward vehicle crime, which rises to 27% of incidents. The most critical period for vehicle owners is the night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime surges to account for a significant 56% of all reported incidents. Burglary also remains a factor at 13% during these hours. Residents should focus their security efforts on the afternoon for personal property protection and ensure robust overnight security to mitigate the high risk of night-time vehicle crime. Understanding these patterns is key to effective local crime prevention.

Marldon stands out as a safe residential option within the South Hams area. When compared to the larger town of Paignton, which has a much higher crime rate of 91.0, Marldon’s rate of 41.3 is significantly lower. It is also safer than Kingskerswell (46.7). While the very small nearby areas of Ipplepen (28.6) and Collaton St Mary (0.0) reported lower crime rates, Marldon remains one of the more secure established communities in the district. This difference in crime rates highlights why Marldon is a popular choice for those seeking a peaceful living environment while remaining close to regional hubs. The recent increase in crime, while notable, does not change its status as a high-safety area compared to larger urban centres.

In Marldon, where property crime is below the national average but overall crime and vehicle crime are increasing, proactive security is becoming more important. Most residents rely on traditional reactive security, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras. These systems are designed to record a crime as it happens, providing you with footage of your burglary or vehicle theft after the fact. While useful for evidence, these systems do nothing to stop the crime from happening.

The scOS AI-powered security operating system offers a proactive solution designed specifically for prevention. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries in real-time, scOS can identify a potential intruder or thief before they reach your home or vehicle. The system then intervenes autonomously, using lights and speakers to deter the threat. This proactive approach is essential in an area like Marldon, where vehicle crime is a notable concern. By choosing scOS, you are not just recording a crime; you are preventing it, ensuring your home and vehicles remain secure and hard targets for opportunistic criminals, day and night.