It is important for every citizen to know about the crime rates of their area to take preventive measures for the sake of saving their families, friends, and relatives. Also, knowing the stats of the crime rate in your area helps you protect yourself and your business premises as well. These things can help you get the best security measures to ensure everything is safe and sound around you and your property.
In this blog, we are going to share the list of the top 15 most dangerous areas in London and the data we are taking is from the Metropolitan Police Services website. This data is publically available on the internet and you can check and confirm all the stats from their website as well. We are taking the most recent stats they have shared on their website from January 2024 to December 2024.
London, which is the capital of England, has a lot of faces and everyone who visits London has their own storey to tell. Some know London for its hustle and bustle culture on the other hand, some tell storeys about the past and heritage. Some tell how the people helped them there while some tell how they got robbed. London is full of life and people try to adapt to the lifestyle to open up to great opportunities.
When talking about London, it is the most populated area of England. According to Statista, the total population of London was approximately 8.9 million in 2022 which means there was a massive growth of almost 2 million in London’s population as compared to the early 1980s. Moreover, almost 30 million people visit London annually, contributing to England’s economy and creating better business and working opportunities there.
What is the Overall Crime Rate in London?
We all know that good and bad are both parts of life. At every place where good people exist, bad people also do. Undoubtedly, London is the capital and the business hub for the country but there are also some issues that London has been facing for a long time. Crime rate is one of them and today we’ll discuss the top 15 places with the highest crimes rates and illegal activities.
But before discussing the areas one by one, let’s take a look at the overall crime rate in London. According to the most recent publicly available data, the crime rate in London is 107 crimes per 1000 population. When compared with the previous year’s statistics, the overall crime in London rose by 2% as per the most recent batch of data. The most common crimes and illegal activities people perform in London are theft (322,822 cases), violent crimes (238,335 cases), vehicle crimes (102,079 incidents), and arson & criminal damages (57,399 incidents).
So now that you know what kinds of crimes are most common in London, let’s take a look at the worst areas and their crime rates.
Key Insights into Crime in the City of London in 2025
One thing you should keep in mind while reading this blog is that we haven’t included the district of London in our list of the top 15 worst areas in London. The reason is that only 10,800 people live there permanently but over half a million people are working there. This is the reason the crime rate in the district is so high.
There were over 7,622 criminal offences happened in the city of London as compared to the last year which means the crime rate in the city of London is 705.7 per 1000 population. But these criminal and illegal activities are usually performed by the outsiders who work there. For this sole reason, we haven’t included the city of London in our list of the top worst areas of London.
Top 15 Most Dangerous Areas in London
1- Westminster
Westminster’s Crime Rate: 349.9 Crimes Per 1,000 People
Westminster is one of London’s top attractions and is most well-known due to having the House of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Millions of visitors visit the city every year for multiple purposes including tourism, business, residency, and more. The city has a lot of attractions and famous sites from architecture to history and modern lifestyle. Despite having such positive factors, the area is facing the worst crimes and has the highest crime rate in London.
Westminster is the top and worst area of London in terms of the crime rate and illegal activities. The crime rate of Westminster is 349.9 crimes per 1000 population. The most common crime in this area is theft (59,122). Other common crimes in this area are violence against the person (10,860), robberies (3,743), and vehicle offences (4,223 ).
2- Camden
Camden’s Crime Rate: 172.4 Crimes Per 1,000 People
Camden is famous for its love of music events, fashion, and the diverse culture you can explore there. There are multiple famous sites tourists wish to visit including the London Zoo, the British Museum, and last but not least, the Camden Market where you will find almost everything that exists on planet Earth. Despite having such positive things, the crime rate of Canden is increasing by a huge margin.
Camden is in 2nd place with the highest criminal and illegal activities. The crime rate in Camden is 172.4 crimes per 1000 population. The most common crime in this area is theft with a total of 21,748 offences. The other common crimes in this area are violence against the person (7,102 incidents), and vehicle offences (3,047).
3- Kensington & Chelsea
Kensington & Chelsea’s Crime Rate: 145.7 Crimes Per 1,000 People
Kensington & Chelsea are the areas linked with some of the most rich and wealthy personalities in London. You might be shocked to see the area at the 3rd spot but unfortunately its true according to the statistics and data we have gathered.
According to the statistics, Kensington & Chelsea has a crime rate of 145.7 crimes per 1000 people. The most common crime in these areas is again theft with the 9,572 offences. The other most common offences in these areas are violence against the person (4,479 offences), vehicle offences (2,689), and shoplifting (2,494).
4- Islington
Islington’s Crime Rate: 127.6 Crimes Per 1,000 People
Islington is the second smallest borough in London and is famous for its rich brains and diverse culture. Moreover, the area is the home to two most progressive and famous universities London Metropolitan University and the University of London. But these universities have started taking part in criminal activities and now the borough is the 4th most dangerous area in London.
Islington has a crime rate of 127.6 crimes per 1000 population. Some of the most common criminal and illegal activities in this area are theft (12,310), violence against the person (6,787), drug crime (1,127 offences) and burglary (1,076 offences).
5- Southwark
Southwark’s Crime Rate: 122.7 Crimes Per 1,000 People
A lot of people might not expect to see the Southwark in the most dangerous areas list but unfortunately, it’s true. Southwark is famous for its modern lifestyle and architectural designs. Despite having some of the best factors, the crime rate in the area is spiking.
Southwark is considered one of the most dangerous areas of London with a crime rate of 122.7 crimes per 1000 population. The most common crimes in this area are violence against the person (8,231 ), vehicle offences (2,792 incidents), burglary (2,386 incidents), and drug offences (1,038).
6- Hackney
Hackney’s Crime Rate: 119.1 Crimes Per 1,000 People
Hackney is famous for its huge black cabs, rich culture, vibrant environment, and independent business industries. There are multiple small-scale businesses in Hackney contributing to the UK’s economy. Moreover, the borough has lush green areas which makes it one of the well-recognised boroughs in London.
Hackney has a crime rate of 119.1 crimes per 1000 population. Some of the most common criminal and illegal activities in this area are theft (12,364), violence against the person (7,860), bicycle theft (1,431 incidents).
7- Hammersmith & Fulham
Hammersmith & Fulham’s Crime Rate: 115.7 Crimes Per 1,000 People
Hammersmith & Fulham is one of the areas that have the heart of Football lovers due to having the 3 professional and super famous football teams in its boundaries. Moreover, the area is well known for its high-achieving schools and the terraces linked with culture and history. But the crime rate here is not stopping at all. In fact, it is increasing gradually destroying the reputation of the area badly.
Hammersmith & Fulham are two neighbouring areas with a crime rate of 115.7 crimes per 1000 Population. The most common crimes in these areas are theft (6,877 offences), violence against the person (5,571 offences), vehicle offences (2,048 offences), violence both without (3,912 offences) and with injury (1,656 offences).
8- Tower Hamlets
Tower Hamlets’s Crime Rate: 114.8 Crimes Per 1,000 People
Tower Hamlets is famous for its dining experience with international cuisines, vibrant culture, and the diversity it shows. Every year, millions of tourists visit this place and try different meals. Due to having such a huge number of tourists, theft, and burglary are continuously increasing in the area.
Tower Hamlets has experienced a notable increase of 1.4% compared to the figures from the previous year. Tower Hamlets has a crime rate of 114.8 crimes per 1000 population. Some of the most common criminal and illegal activities in this area are theft (11,018), vehicle offences (3,252), drug crimes (2,343).
9- Newham
Newham’s Crime Rate of 114.3 Crimes Per 1,000 People
People remember Newham for the 2012 Olympics cause it was hosted there and now the area is famous for the sporting events. Newham was once a great place for visitors and residents. But now, as the area is well known, the crime rate is increasing gradually creating problems for everyone.
Newhan is known for its sports and event-rich culture. Newham has a crime rate of 114.3 crimes per 1000 population. The most common crimes in this area are theft (14,357), violence against the person (9,898), vehicle offences (4,430), other accepted crimes (3,527), public order offences (1,713), and shoplifting (4,000).
10- Lambeth
Lambeth’s Crime Rate: 114.2 Crimes Per 1,000 People
Lambeth is one of the areas that attract too many tourists due to having the two most famous museums; Imperial War Museum and Florence Nightingale Museum. The area is situated just across Westminster which is one of the causes of increasing crime rates. Due to attracting a large number of tourists, the area is always filled with people which provides chances for thieves to take many people’s money. Shoplifting is also one of the biggest issues in Lambeth.
Lambeth is one of the most beautiful areas of London and is a true attraction for visitors. The crime rate in Lambeth is 114.2 crimes per 1000 population. The most common crime in this area is theft with a total of 13,341 offences. The other common crimes in this area are violence against the person (9,080).
11- Haringey
Haringey’s Crime Rate: 99 Crimes Per 1,000 People
Haringey is one of the most green and nature-filled areas of London with millions of trees and plants. The area is famous for its Alexandra Palace which is covered with trees and adds much more beauty to the Palace’s architecture. But unfortunately, despite having lush green spaces and natural beauty, the city is facing high criminal issues.
Haringey has a crime rate of 99 crimes per 1000 population. The most common crimes in this area are violence against the person (7,333), theft (8,059), theft from a motor vehicle (2,145 offences), and domestic burglary (1,210).
12- Lewisham
Lewisham’s Crime Rate: 97.2 Crimes Per 1,000 People
The lush green spaces and the riverside view make Lewisham one of the most attractive and ideal places for visitors. Lewisham is the home to many famous green spaces including Mountsfield Park and Ladywell Fields. Moreover, the area is well-known to some universities and educational places. Despite having such positive attributes, Lewisham is open to many criminal and illegal activities.
Lewisham has a crime rate of 97.2 crimes per 1000 population. The most common crimes in this area are violence against the person (9,105), and theft (7,650). These two are the highly concerning issues for the residents and are increasing gradually creating troubles for everyone.
13- Greenwich
Greenwich’s Crime Rate: 96.7 Crimes Per 1,000 People
Greenwich is a riverside area and its picturesque views make it one of the most attractive, beautiful, and nature-filled areas in London. The borough is mostly famous for its eponymous Park and the Royal Observatory which contributes to its tourism a lot. But unfortunately, the increasing crime rate is affecting the beauty of the area badly which is why tourists now hesitate to visit.
Greenwich has a crime rate of 96.7 crimes per 1000 population. The most common crimes in this area are violence against the person (8,695), theft (6,686), vehicle offences (2,974), and drug offences (1,483).
12- Barking & Dagenham
Barking & Dagenham’s Crime Rate: 115.7 Crimes Per 1,000 People
Barking & Dagenham was one an industrial sector and used to provide working opportunities to thousands of workers but the city has evolved by a huge margin and now is famous for its retail sectors, healthcare, and many more. Moreover, the area has a huge history of fishing and farming. Despite having many positive attributes, the crime rates here are increasing badly.
Barking & Dagenham are two neighbouring areas with a crime rate of 115.7 crimes per 1000 Population and the total number of offences in these areas is 19,123. Most common crimes in these areas are violence against the person (7573), theft (4520), and vehicle offences (2714).
15- Hounslow
Hounslow’s Crime Rate: 95.3 Crimes Per 1,000 People
Hounslow is one of the well-connected areas of London and provides access to Heathrow Airport and the M14. The area is famous and well-known for its events calendar, vibrant culture, and history. Despite having such beauty and attractions, the area is facing such huge criminal issues.
Hounslow has a crime rate of 95.3 crimes per 1000 population with a total number of 24,796 offences counted. The most common crimes in this area are violence against the person (8,354), theft (6,731), and vehicle offences (3,261).
Safety Tips and Recommendations for London’s Residents
We know it’s difficult to live in a place with a high crime rate and illegal activities but there are some tips and recommendations you can use or adapt to make sure everything is safe around you. Here are some of them:
Safety Gears
There are plenty of safety gears available in the market that can help you ensure your safety and security. You can carry the pepper spray or the folding steel stick. Carrying a personal alarm is also a good option that you can use for the sake of security.
Property Safety
Maintaining a business in a high-crime place is a huge challenge but you can take preventive measures by using the devices and tools for your property safety. Guard Mark Security can help you install the CCTV cameras and then monitor them to ensure your property is safe, especially at nighttime. Moreover, we can help you by installing the alarms and motion detectors.
Secured Routes
Avoid taking the short routes and always try to take the busy and well-lit routes so that there will be fewer chances of you getting robbed.
So these are some of the things that you can use and adopt for the sake of your and your business’s safety in London.
The Pointed Truth About Guns and Knife Crimes in London
According to Statista, the total number of knife and sharp object crimes in London is 15,016. The highest was in 2019/2020 about 15,928 crimes related to the knife and sharp objects. Moreover, the number of crimes related to guns and firearms is 1,085 in 2022/23 and the highest was in 2016/2017 about 2,136 crimes in London.
When it comes to knife crime in London, almost half of the knife crimes (9,272 offences) that happened in London were part of burglaries and armed robberies in banks, houses, and business corporations. Moreover, nearly 36% of knife crimes were related to violence in which somebody got harmed or injured. What’s more shocking is that almost 198 instances were reported to the Police related to rape or sexual assault in which a knife or sharp object was used.
In the last year, when we see the broader picture, the knife crime rate is gradually decreasing and The Ben Kinsella Trust has played a big part in discouraging this act in youth. They are educating youth in different ways for the sake of charging their perception for knife crime and playing their part for the betterment of society. ( See out Is Knife Crime in UK Schools on the Rise? ).
Has the Cost of Living Crisis Affected London Crime Rates?
The cost of living crisis has put financial strain on households across the UK, and emerging data suggests a concerning link to rising crime rates. While it’s hard to pinpoint a direct cause, crime has increased in 30 out of London’s 32 boroughs, a strong indicator that economic hardship may be contributing to a spike in criminal activity.
Theft from Workplaces on the Rise
In 2024, statistics found more than 6,200 incidents of employees stealing from their workplace were recorded. Insurer Zurich estimates the average cost of commercial crimes to be around £140,000. This not only highlights financial struggles but also opportunistic behaviour during tough times. Moreover, the Metropolitan Police recorded the highest number of employee theft cases, with 874 offences reported. In contrast, the City of London Police reported just 18 incidents of employee theft.
Other Crimes Reflect Growing Financial Pressure
Workplace theft isn’t the only area where rising costs and economic instability seem to have an impact. Several other crime categories in London have shown significant increases compared to the previous year. Here are some key statistics:
- Theft: 322,822 offences (+4%)
- Theft from the Person: 102,638 offences (+2%)
- Burglary: 56,696 offences (+5.1%)
- Shoplifting: 54,326 offences (+8%)
- Robbery: 35,000 offences (+4%)
- Motor Vehicle Theft: 33,575 offences (+7%)
Addressing these challenges will require collective efforts to tackle both crime and its root causes ensuring safety remains a priority, even in difficult times.
Ideal Security Guarding Company in London
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If you are looking for a professional company that can take care of all your security needs, Guard Mark is the one. Contact us to get more information related to our services. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here 24/7 to answer all your queries in the best manner. Let’s make London a safer place together.
