Marldon Crime Rate

Marldon's crime rate of 40.8 per 1,000 residents is 55% below the UK average, reflecting its status as a very safe area. Despite this, public order offences have surged by 233% year-on-year, highlighting a significant upward trend in this category. The area's low population density and strong community networks likely contribute to its overall safety, though targeted efforts may be needed to address the sharp rise in public order incidents.

Marldon is a built-up area within South Hams, characterized by a mix of residential properties and small-scale commercial activity. Its proximity to coastal towns and commuter routes may influence crime patterns, with retail areas potentially contributing to theft and public order incidents. The area's relatively low population density and strong community ties likely contribute to its very safe rating.

The most surprising finding in Marldon's crime profile is the 233% year-on-year increase in public order offences, which now account for 10.5% of all crimes. This sharp rise may be linked to seasonal events or increased foot traffic during specific periods. Other theft, at 22% above the UK average, could be driven by the area's mix of residential and commercial spaces, which may attract opportunistic thieves. Property crime overall remains 52.8% below the UK average, with vehicle crime and burglary particularly low. Violence and sexual offences, while rising by 100% YoY, remain 52% below the UK average, likely due to the area's low population density and strong community networks.

Crime in Marldon has increased by 15.9% year-on-year, with public order offences surging by 233%. This sharp rise may be linked to seasonal factors, such as increased social events during summer months, as evidenced by the peak of 6.5 per 1,000 in July 2025. Violence and sexual offences have also risen by 100% YoY, though they remain 52% below the UK average. The overall increase appears to be concentrated in public order and violence categories, while property crime has remained relatively stable.

How To Keep Safe in Marldon

Residents should focus on securing valuables in homes and vehicles, particularly during peak theft hours (afternoon and evening). For Other theft, which remains 22% above the UK average, consider using anti-theft devices for high-value items. During the night, when vehicle crime spikes, avoid leaving vehicles unattended. Public order incidents, which have risen sharply, may be linked to social events—stay aware of local activity patterns and report suspicious behaviour through standard channels.

Crime in Marldon follows distinct patterns across the day and week. Theft peaks in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), aligning with periods of high foot traffic and commercial activity. Vehicle crime spikes at night (12am-6am), likely due to unattended vehicles in residential areas. Burglary is most common in the evening (6pm-12am), potentially linked to increased home occupancy during these hours. Public order offences show a pronounced evening peak, suggesting a correlation with social gatherings or events in the area.

Compared to nearby areas, Marldon's crime rate of 40.8 per 1,000 is 53% lower than Ipplepen (26.7 per 1,000) but 14% lower than Kingskerswell (46.5 per 1,000). Paignton has a starkly higher rate of 88.7 per 1,000, reflecting the differences in urban density and economic activity between coastal towns and smaller built-up areas.

For Marldon households, where Other theft remains 22% above the UK average, proactive security measures are essential, scOS's AI-powered boundary detection can identify suspicious activity near properties, while DVLA vehicle verification helps flag cloned or stolen plates approaching homes. These features address the risk of opportunistic theft in an area where property crime remains a target, offering a proactive alternative to reactive systems.