Crime statistics play a crucial role in our decision-making process when considering a move to a new area. These figures can significantly influence where we choose to establish our homes, start businesses, or plan for retirement. London, as a vast metropolis, presents a complex landscape of safety and security concerns across its various boroughs.
In this comprehensive guide to London crime statistics, we aim to provide you with essential information to help you make informed choices about living, working, or investing in the UK’s capital. We’ll examine the current state of crime in London, break down statistics for individual boroughs, and offer insights into the factors that shape these numbers.
Our goal is to equip you with a clear understanding of London’s crime landscape, enabling you to assess potential risks and make decisions that align with your safety priorities. Whether you’re a prospective resident, business owner, or simply interested in the city’s safety profile, this guide will offer valuable insights into London’s crime statistics.
Let’s begin our examination of London’s crime data, focusing on recent trends, geographical patterns, and the measures being taken to enhance safety across the city.
Data Sources and Methodology
Our analysis relies on the official Metropolitan Police crime database, ensuring an objective and fair overview of each London borough. We present the most recent calendar year data, providing up-to-date information for your consideration.
To account for population differences, we express crime rates as crimes per 1,000 people in each area. This approach allows for meaningful comparisons between boroughs and facilitates informed decision-making regarding London security.
For each borough, we highlight the most common crime type and any notable statistics that merit attention.
London’s Overall Crime Landscape
London, a sprawling metropolis covering over 600 square miles and home to more than 9 million people, presents a diverse urban environment. From the banks of the Thames to the towering skyscrapers of Bishopsgate, the city offers undeniable charm and appeal.
Known globally as an economic powerhouse, London also serves as a residential area and a hub for preserving natural and constructed beauty. This eclectic mix cements London’s status as a premier destination for people from all walks of life.
However, the city’s popularity comes with challenges, particularly in terms of criminal activity. London’s overall crime rate stands at 117.4 crimes per 1,000 residents, which is a cause for concern.
The most prevalent crime in London is theft, accounting for over 262,000 incidents in the past year, or approximately 25% of all total crime across the metropolitan area. Other significant crime categories include:
- Violence against the person: 259,903 incidents
- Vehicle offenses: 117,525 incidents
These figures underscore the need for robust security measures throughout the capital.
Borough-Specific Crime Rates
While London’s overall crime rate is high, it’s essential to recognize that each borough has its own distinct crime profile. In the following sections, we’ll break down the statistics for individual boroughs, comparing them to the capital’s overall figures to provide a nuanced understanding of London’s crime landscape.
Barking & Dagenham
Overall Crime Rate: 123.9 Crimes Per 1000 People
Barking & Dagenham, known for its green spaces and strong residential communities, has seen growth in recent years. However, the borough faces challenges with its crime rate, which stands at 123.9 crimes per 1000 residents.
Violent crime is a significant issue, with 7,739 incidents reported in the last year. Theft also poses a major problem, accounting for 4,195 offences or about 15% of all crime in the borough.
Barnet
Overall Crime Rate: 86.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
Barnet, a leafy borough with a rich military and religious history, boasts a lower crime rate of 86.1 crimes per 1000 residents. This area combines urban development with nature reserves, contributing to its relative tranquility.
Despite the lower overall rate, violent crime remains the most common offence, with 8,469 incidents in the past year. Theft (6,364 incidents) and vehicle offences (5,361 incidents) are also notable concerns for local security.
Bexley
Overall Crime Rate: 81.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
Bexley, once a parish of Kent, is characterized by its verdant landscapes, quaint towns, and scenic routes. This balance is reflected in its crime rate of 81.2 crimes per 1000 residents, one of the lower rates in London.
Violent crime remains the primary concern, with 6,318 incidents over the last year, accounting for 31% of all crime in the borough.
Brent
Overall Crime Rate: 113.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
Home to Wembley Stadium, Brent is a hub for sports, live music, and events. This popularity contributes to its higher crime rate of 113.1 crimes per 1000 residents.
Violent crime leads with 10,576 offences, followed by theft (7,059 incidents) and vehicle offences (4,042 incidents), presenting significant challenges for local businesses and residents.
Bromley
Overall Crime Rate: 84 Crimes Per 1000 People
Bromley offers a unique blend of Kentish farmland and urban London life. This mix contributes to a lower crime rate of 84 crimes per 1000 residents.
Violent offences are the most common (7,166 incidents), with theft (5,239 incidents) and vehicle offences (3,624 incidents) also presenting concerns for local security.
Camden
Overall Crime Rate: 151.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
Camden, famous for its markets and bustling business scene, unfortunately has one of the highest crime rates in London at 151.6 crimes per 1000 residents.
Theft is particularly prevalent (16,669 incidents), followed by violent crime (7,695 incidents). The consistency of these high rates year-on-year is a major concern for local businesses.
Croydon
Overall Crime Rate: 109.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
Croydon, the southernmost borough of London, has a crime rate slightly below the city average at 109.8 crimes per 1000 residents.
Violent crime is the most significant issue (12,171 incidents), followed by theft (6,863 incidents). Arson and criminal damage are also notably high (2,704 incidents), indicating a need for enhanced security measures.
Ealing
Overall Crime Rate: 110.7 Crimes Per 1000 People
Ealing, known for its rich cultural history, faces challenges with a crime rate of 110.7 crimes per 1000 residents.
Violent crime (10,921 offences) and theft (6,422 offences) account for over 45% of all crime in the borough. Vehicle offences (4,851 incidents) are also a significant concern for local security efforts.
Enfield
Overall Crime Rate: 111.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
Enfield, known for its extensive redevelopment and historical significance, faces a crime rate of 111.1 crimes per 1000 residents. This figure is slightly below the London average. However, notable concerns include:
- Violent crime: 10,011 incidents
- Theft: 5,841 incidents
- Vehicle offences: 5,826 incidents
These trends suggest a need for enhanced security measures in the borough.
Greenwich
Overall Crime Rate: 119.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
Greenwich, one of London’s four royal boroughs, reports a crime rate of 119.2 crimes per 1000 residents. Key statistics include:
- Violent crime: 10,103 incidents
- Theft: 6,199 incidents
- Vehicle offences: 3,625 incidents
These figures underscore the importance of robust security strategies in Greenwich.
Hammersmith & Fulham
Overall Crime Rate: 140 Crimes Per 1000 People
This affluent area, known for its sporting heritage, faces a crime rate higher than London’s overall average at 140 crimes per 1000 people. Significant concerns include:
- Theft: 6,675 incidents
- Violent crime: 5,955 incidents
- Vehicle offences: 3,313 incidents
These statistics highlight the need for vigilance among residents and businesses.
Haringey
Overall Crime Rate: 132.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
Haringey, with its mix of green spaces and urban developments, reports a crime rate of 132.1 crimes per 1000 people. Notable figures include:
- Violent crime: 8,723 incidents
- Theft: 7,262 incidents
- Vehicle offences: 4,863 incidents
These numbers emphasize the need for improved security measures across the borough.
Harrow
Overall Crime Rate: 78.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
Harrow boasts one of the lower crime rates in London at 78.5 crimes per 1000 residents. However, certain areas require attention:
- Violent crime: 5,570 offences
- Theft: 3,404 offences
Despite the lower overall rate, these figures suggest ongoing security challenges.
Havering
Overall Crime Rate: 94.7 Crimes Per 1000 People
Havering, London’s easternmost borough, reports a crime rate of 94.7 crimes per 1000 residents, a 9.6% increase from the previous year. Key concerns include:
- Violence against the person: 6,736 incidents
- Theft: 4,204 incidents
- Vehicle offences: 3,596 incidents
These trends indicate a growing need for enhanced security measures.
Hillingdon
Overall Crime Rate: 103.8 Per 1000 People
Hillingdon’s crime rate stands at 103.8 crimes per 1000 people, 13% lower than the capital’s overall rate. However, significant issues persist:
- Violent crime: 8,482 incidents
- Theft: 5,079 incidents
- Vehicle offences: 4,191 incidents
These figures highlight ongoing security challenges in the borough.
Hounslow
Overall Crime Rate: 114.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
Hounslow reports a crime rate of 114.6 crimes per 1000 people. Key areas of concern include:
- Violent crime: 9,056 offences
- Theft: 5,862 offences
- Burglary: 1,707 offences
- Arson and criminal damage: 1,846 offences
These statistics underscore the need for comprehensive security strategies.
Islington
Overall Crime Rate: 134.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
Islington’s crime rate stands at 134.5 crimes per 1000 people, approximately 14.5% higher than the citywide average. Notable figures include:
- Theft: 10,048 offences
- Violent crime: 7,708 offences
These numbers highlight significant security challenges in the borough.
Kensington & Chelsea
Overall Crime Rate: 157.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
This affluent royal borough reports a high crime rate of 157.2 crimes per 1000 residents. Key statistics include:
- Theft: 8,552 offences
- Violent crime: 4,723 incidents
- Vehicle offences: 2,933 incidents
- Burglary: 1,510 incidents
These figures emphasize the need for robust security measures in Kensington & Chelsea.
Kingston-upon-Thames
Overall Crime Rate: 84.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
Kingston-upon-Thames, known for its royal history and riverside attractions, maintains a relatively stable crime rate. However, specific areas of concern include:
- Violent crime: 3,799 offences
- Theft: 3,595 incidents
These figures highlight the need for robust security measures in both residential and commercial settings.
Lambeth
Overall Crime Rate: 126.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
Home to iconic landmarks like the London Eye and vibrant areas such as Brixton, Lambeth faces higher crime rates than some other boroughs. Key issues include:
- Theft: 10,676 offences
- Violent crime: 10,416 offences
- Drug offences: 1,780 incidents
The prevalence of these crimes underscores the importance of vigilance and security in this diverse and bustling borough.
Lewisham
Overall Crime Rate: 113.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
Lewisham, known for Goldsmiths University and its appeal to families and businesses, has seen a rise in crime rates by almost 3% over the previous year. Major concerns include:
- Violent crime: 9,528 incidents
- Theft: 6,403 incidents
- Vehicle offences: 4,026 incidents
These statistics emphasize the need for effective security measures throughout the borough.
Merton
Overall Crime Rate: 83.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
Merton, famous for Wimbledon, has seen a 5% increase in crime over the past year. Key areas of concern are:
- Violent crime: 4,637 incidents
- Theft: 3,177 incidents
- Vehicle offences: 2,050 incidents
Despite its cultural significance, Merton faces growing challenges in maintaining public safety.
Newham
Overall Crime Rate: 125 Crimes Per 1000 People
Newham, a hub for tourism and development, faces higher crime rates than many other London boroughs. Significant issues include:
- Violent crime: 10,944 incidents
- Theft: 10,427 incidents
- Vehicle crime: 5,763 incidents
These figures highlight the need for robust security services in this rapidly developing area.
Redbridge
Overall Crime Rate: 98.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
Redbridge, with its mix of residential areas and green spaces, maintains a crime rate slightly below the city average. However, it still faces significant challenges:
- Violent crime: 8,110 incidents
- Theft: 5,538 incidents
- Vehicle offences: 4,597 incidents
These statistics reflect the ongoing need for vigilance and security measures across London’s diverse boroughs.
Richmond-upon-Thames: A Haven of Safety
Overall Crime Rate: 71.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
Richmond-upon-Thames boasts the lowest crime rate among London boroughs. Known for its natural beauty and strong education system, it remains a desirable location. However, concerns persist:
- Violent crime: 3,185 offences
- Theft: 2,994 offences
These figures underscore the need for continued vigilance and effective security measures.
Southwark: A Historical Borough Facing Modern Challenges
Overall Crime Rate: 131.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
Southwark, rich in history and cultural attractions, grapples with higher crime rates:
- Theft: 13,559 offences
- Violent crime: 9,047 offences
- Burglary: 2,820 offences
These statistics highlight the necessity for robust security solutions in this historic area.
Sutton: Green Spaces and Growing Concerns
Overall Crime Rate: 82 Crimes Per 1000 People
Sutton, known for its environmental initiatives, maintains the 4th lowest crime rate in London. However, rising trends are notable:
- Violent crime: 4,641 offences
- Theft: 2,864 offences
These figures indicate a growing need for enhanced security measures.
Tower Hamlets: A Borough of Contrasts
Overall Crime Rate: 127.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
Tower Hamlets, home to both historic landmarks and modern developments, faces significant crime challenges:
- Violent crime: 10,728 offences
- Theft: 9,688 offences
- Drug offences: 2,328 incidents
The borough has seen a 2% increase in crime rates over the previous year.
Waltham Forest: Culture and Crime
Overall Crime Rate: 101 Crimes Per 1000 People
Waltham Forest, known for its artistic heritage, contends with various crime issues:
- Violence against the person: 7,204 incidents
- Theft: 5,315 incidents
- Vehicle offences: 3,833 incidents
Despite these figures, the borough has experienced a 1.3% decrease in crime rates from the previous year.
Wandsworth: Suburban Safety
Overall Crime Rate: 90.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
Wandsworth, a popular suburban area, maintains relatively low crime rates:
- Violent crime: 7,795 incidents
- Theft: 6,317 incidents
The borough has seen a 5% decrease in crime rates compared to the previous year.
Westminster: Tourism and High Crime Rates
Overall Crime Rate: 334.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
Westminster, a hub of tourism and government, faces the highest crime rate in London:
- Theft: 51,149 instances
- Violent crime: 12,462 instances
These figures represent a 41% increase from the previous year, likely influenced by the high volume of visitors to the area.
This overview provides insight into the varied crime landscape across London’s boroughs, emphasizing the importance of tailored security approaches for each area.