We at Fast K9 Security have a lifelong obsession with determining which parts of London are the most hazardous. If you are concerned about the safety of your home or place of business, researching the local crime rate may help you make an informed decision about the kind of security measures to take.

Using statistics collected by the Metropolitan Police between February 2023 and January 2024, the most current year for which data is available, we have compiled this year’s rating. ‘Most hazardous’ refers to places where the crime rate is very high.

We have ranked the 15 worst boroughs in London according to the number of offenses committed per 1,000 persons, rather than the overall number of crimes committed, to get a better idea of their crime rate relative to the population.

Because of this, we are able to provide a more unbiased summary of the riskiest districts in London, taking into account important characteristics like population and area density.

London, the bustling financial district of Canary Wharf and Westminster, and the meandering banks of the Thames are as much a part of the city as the city itself, which is known as the capital of the United Kingdom and a center for British tourism, trade, and culture.

London is a veritable kaleidoscope of cultures and lifestyles, from the peaceful environs of the city’s main parks to the clamor of traditional markets that echo the city’s rich past. With an astounding 30 million tourists flocking to the city every year, it’s evident that London captivates a diverse array of interests.

Unfortunately, there are downsides to being famous, and the alarming crime rate in London is a prime example of this. There are 117 crimes per 1000 people living in the city, which is a 6.5% increase over the previous year.

Rising rates of theft (283,902 offences) and violent crime (252,568 offences) are the primary cause for alarm among city residents and businesses. Other worrying statistics include vehicle crime (105,570 offences) and arson & criminal damage (58,072 offences).

The many boroughs and locations of London each have their own distinct criminal activity problems, therefore this obviously only gives a partial picture. Let’s take a look at the 15 riskiest neighborhoods in London and see how they compare to the rest of the city.

An Important Remark Regarding Crime In The London City

We have purposefully omitted the City of London area from our list, as you may have noticed. There may only be 8,600 permanent residents in the area, but the disproportionately high crime rate is a direct result of the almost 500,000 people who work there.

A startling 869.8 crimes per 1000 inhabitants, or almost 9 crimes per 10 individuals residing in the area, were committed in the City of London last year, out of a total of 7,496 criminal offenses. It is difficult to get a true picture of the level of crime in this part of the city because of all the commuters from out of town.

Consequently, we have decided not to put it on our list of the most hazardous districts in London. However, it is important for residents, visitors, and commuters to be aware of the difficulties that the neighborhood is dealing with.

The 15 Riskiest Neighborhoods in London

15. Central London
    A General Crime Rate of 110.4 Per 1000 Residents

Hounslow is one of the most well-connected areas of London, with easy access to Heathrow Airport and the M14. The area’s multicultural events calendar and varied population give it its unique character. Despite its prominence and busy schedule, Hounslow is ranked as the thirteenth most hazardous location in London.

Overall, there are 110.4 crimes per person living in the borough, with a growing number of violent crimes accounting for 9044 offenses, which is a major worry for the locals. There is an obvious and immediate need for security measures in Hounslow, given the equally alarming numbers of 6086 theft offenses and 4056 vehicle crimes.

14. The town of Lewisham
    An Average Crime Rate of 113.9 Per 1000 Residents

Lewisham is a neighbourhood in southeast London that lies right on the Thames River. Despite its reputation as a bustling metropolis, the city really has a number of parks and open areas, such as Mountsfield Park and Ladywell Fields, which provide breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding suburbs. At the center of Lewisham sits the illustrious educational hub of Goldsmiths, making it a popular destination for students.

But with a total crime rate of 113.9 per 1000 inhabitants, the borough is considered the fifteenth most hazardous location in London. That’s made worse by the fact that theft (6854 instances) and violent crime (9662 incidents) are at all-time highs in Lewisham.

13. Greenwich
    Eleventeen and a Half Crimes Per Thousand People

With views of the Royal Observatory and the borough’s namesake park, Greenwich is one of the most scenic parts of London due to its location on the Thames. Despite Greenwich’s picturesque setting, it ranks thirteenth on our list of the most hazardous districts in London due to its high total crime rate (115.3 crimes per 1000 people).

An all-time high of 1439 drug offenses, along with steadily increasing numbers of violent crimes (9914 occurrences), theft (6510 incidents), and vehicle crimes (3105 incidents), are the main concerns.

12. Dagenham and Barking
    A Total of 115.7 Crimes Per Thousand People

Barking & Dagenham, a London borough in the east, has diversified its economy beyond its industrial origins to include many public programs, retail establishments, healthcare facilities, and more. Redevelopment has been substantial in the region due to its history of fishing, farming, and industry. With over half of its children living in poverty, the borough remains one of the city’s most underprivileged districts, despite this.

The increasing crime rate in the borough, which stands at 115.7 crimes per 1000 people, may be the most telling indicator of this. Residents and local businesses are mostly worried about the rising incidence of violent crime, which has reached 7573 offenses. In the last year alone, there have been 196 incidents of weapon possession. Vehicle crime (2714 offenses) and theft (4520 offences) are particularly high in the borough, exacerbating the problems.

11. Newham
    Total Crime Rate of 122.7 Per 1000 Residents

The ExCeL center and West Ham’s London Stadium are located in Newham, making it a popular site for cultural and sporting events due to the borough’s status as an Olympic host in 2012. Because of its undeniable popularity, nevertheless, Newham has a crime rate of 122.7 offenses per 1000 people, placing it among London’s most hazardous locations.

The most serious crime in Newham is theft, which accounts for 12,126 instances. Among these, more than 2,304 incidents include shoplifting. The rates of violent offenses (10,857 incidences) and automobile offenses (4901) are similarly alarming.

10. Lambeth
    A General Crime Rate of 126 Incidents Per 1000 people

An lovely suburb with strong ties to the pulsating core of central London, Lambeth is only across from Westminster and the city center. Lambeth is a popular destination for both visitors and locals because to its many museums, including as the Imperial War Museum and the Florence Nightingale Museum.

A very high total crime rate of 126 offenses per 1000 people has unfortunately put Lambeth on our most dangerous list. The borough of Lambeth had 8 homicides in the news, in addition to high rates of theft (11,566 offenses) and violent crime (9,940 offences).

9. The Tower Hamlets
   Total Crime Rate: 128.9 Per 1000 Residents

Tower Hamlets, which encompasses a large portion of the classic East End of London, is well-known for its multiculturalism, diverse population, and delicious food. Nevertheless, with 128.9 crimes per 1000 people, it is one of the most impoverished sections of the city and suffers from a crime rate that is often linked to poverty.

Theft (10,989 offenses), violent crimes (10,716 offences), and vehicle crimes (3197 offences) all saw greater numbers than we’ve seen in the borough before, contributing to a significant 10% increase compared to last year’s results for Tower Hamlets.

8. Haringey Borough
   Total Crime Rate of 129.1 Per 1000 Residents

Being one of the most verdant boroughs in London, Haringey provides breathtaking views of the city’s agricultural origins, particularly from Alexandra Palace and other high points in the area, thanks to its closeness to the Metropolitan green belt. Despite the apparent benefits, the 129.1 crimes per 1000 people in Haringey are a major turnoff for both residents and companies.

The high crime rate that puts Haringey on our list of the riskiest neighborhoods in London is mostly attributable to theft (8039 crimes) and violent crime (8216 offenses). The alarming rates of car theft (2586 offenses) and home invasion (1297 offences) in the Haringey region further highlight the critical need for security measures.

7. Southwark district
   A Total of 135.7 Crimes Per Thousand People

You would not anticipate Southwark, which is mostly renowned for housing the literarily historic Globe Theatre and juxtaposed with the sleek contemporary Shard, to be one of the most hazardous districts in London. Nonetheless, Southwark is on our list due to its high crime rate of 135.7 offenses per 1000 population.

As expected, locals are most worried about theft (14,726 instances), which accounts for around one third of all crimes in the borough. The second most common kind of crime is violent crime, with 9194 events. Burglary, with 2562 incidents, and car crime, with 2765 incidents, all show alarming growing trends.

6. The Hackney area
   A Total of 139.5 Crimes Per Thousand People

The famous London black cabs, the marshes, and the verdant landscape that define one of the most famous boroughs in London are all born in Hackney, an East London neighborhood that is also home to many independent companies and cultural institutions. Despite its pristine image, Hackney’s crime rate of 139.5 per 1000 inhabitants puts it on our list of the most hazardous districts in London.

The most worrisome figures are the huge increases in theft (10,574 occurrences) and violent crime (8781 incidents) in Hackney compared to earlier months. Also, throughout the majority of London boroughs, there has been an alarming uptick in the theft of bicycles, with 1,419 cases.

5. Hurley and Fulham
   Four hundred and twenty-two crimes per thousand people

Being the only borough in London to be home to three professional football clubs, Hammersmith and Fulham has gone from being famous for its historic terraces and high-achieving schools to an equally outstanding reputation for its sports culture. Yet, the borough’s alarming crime rate of 140.2 offenses per 1000 people undermines that athletic excellence.

Theft (7144 offenses) and violent crime (5967 offences) are the most concerning statistics in Hammersmith & Fulham, with vehicle crimes (3186 offences) adding more stress. On top of that, violent incidents, both those resulting in no injuries and those resulting in serious ones, are unfortunately very prevalent at football stadiums since they tend to attract the worst kind of individuals.

4. District of Islington
   A Total of 145.2 Crimes Per Thousand Total Population

As a center of progressive ideals and bohemian subcultures, the second-smallest borough in London, Islington, may come as a surprise. One reason for this is that the University of London and London Metropolitan University are both located in Islington. Still, with 145.2 crimes per 1000 people, the borough has an alarmingly high crime rate.

Theft (10,267 crimes) and violent crime (7144 offences) are the most concerning crime statistics in Islington, and they have both risen from the previous year. In addition, drug crime (1196 offenses) and residential burglary (1188 offences) are still rather common in Islington, despite the borough’s small population.

3. The London borough of Kensington and Chelsea
   With a total of 174.5 crimes per 1000 people

Hyde Park is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, which is often linked to the city’s wealthy elite. Therefore, it may be surprising to learn that this region is third on our list of the most hazardous in London. The crime rate in Kensington & Chelsea has reached 174.5 offenses per 1000 people, an increase from the previous year.

The high incidence of theft (9837 crimes), with a significant chunk of that proportion being shoplifting (1848 offences) and stealing from persons (2531 offences), may be discouraging for such a rich borough. Concerns over the occurrence of violent crimes (4660 offences) and vehicle crimes (2982 offences) are also well-founded.

2. Camden Town
   There was a total of 197.8 crimes per 1000 people.

Modern alternative culture, live music, and fashion all congregate in Camden. Many sightseers come to Camden to peruse the renowned Camden Market, as well as the British Museum and London Zoo. With a total crime rate of 197.8 offenses per 1000 people, the neighborhood is third on the list of the most dangerous in London, despite its appeal among tourists.

Stealing accounts for an astounding 18,799 instances, or 44% of the total crime data in Camden. This makes it the borough’s worst concern. Residents and businesses in the region are understandably worried about the data for both violent crime (7783 events) and car offenses (3207 incidents), particularly considering the staggering 12% increase in overall crime compared to previous year.

1. Westminster
   General Crime Rate of 462.8 Per 1000 Residents

Westminster is a hive of activity all year round, being the home of Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and a large portion of the vibrant West End. Many people choose London as a major tourist destination, both for city breaks and vacations, because of its rich history, which includes both royal and judicial aspects. Unfortunately, the borough has the worst crime rate in London, so it’s not exactly a sunny spot.

It is easy to understand the fears for Westminster given the alarming crime rate of 462.8 offenses per 1000 inhabitants, which translates to almost 1 crime every 2 persons. While 58,036 theft instances rank first, the borough is also seeing alarmingly high rates of violent crime (11,960 offenses), car crime (4469) and robbery (4316 incidents). A startling 14.8% rise from last year’s figures is shown when all of this is added together.

Has the rising cost of living affected the crime rate in London?

New information about the effects of the ongoing cost of living crisis on crime rates in the United Kingdom is becoming available. The rise in crime rates in 30 out of London’s 32 boroughs provides evidence that the cost of living issue has affected safety, albeit it’s hard to tell for sure.

We need to examine it more thoroughly. An increase of almost 600 individuals were apprehended for theft from their company in 2022/2023, according to statista. The opportunistic attitude of burglars is on full display here, as is the difficulty of the times; insurer Zurich estimates that the average cost of commercial thefts is roughly £140,000.

In London, the incidence of employee theft was greatest in the Metropolitan Police with 874 recorded offenses, while the City of London police department witnessed only 18 instances.

Theft from businesses and offices is one indicator that people are resorting to crime due to the rising cost of living, but there are other numbers that might just as well indicate financial problems.

Highlighted below are some key data on certain crimes in London, together with their percentage increases from the preceding year:

• There was a 17.7 percent rise in theft (283,902 offenses) compared to the previous year.
  
• The number of burglaries increased by 5.1% as compared to the previous year, with 56,696 offenses recorded.
  
• There was a staggering 48.3% rise in shoplifting offenses compared to previous year, with 58,405 total.
  
• There was a 21% increase from the previous year in robberies (34,158 offenses).
  
• There was a 1.4% rise from the previous year in motor vehicle theft (32,947 offenses).

Eventually, these figures will undoubtedly rise as a result of everyone’s tightening budgets due to increasing interest rates and the skyrocketing prices of necessities.

The Brave Truth Regarding London’s Knife Crime Rate

Knife crime has long been a problem in the nation’s capital and across the United Kingdom. London was the scene of 28.9% (or 13,957 offenses) of the 48,716 crimes committed with knives or other sharp instruments. This just accounts for the documented cases; the true numbers may be far more.

The statistics show that armed robberies and burglaries accounted for over half of all knife crimes (7,996 offenses), while violent assaults and cases of bodily harm with injury accounted for over 30%. Adding insult to injury, blades were used in 1,014 murder threats and 231 cases of rape and sexual assault.

Just under a quarter of the 261 murders that occurred in the last year 65 cases took place in the Greater London region. We still haven’t gotten back to the levels we had before the epidemic, but it’s a significant improvement over last year’s results.

Charity organizations and ongoing capital security measures are largely responsible for this decline. They are educating the public and implementing efficient preventive measures, but their main emphasis is on reducing knife crime among youths, a topic we cover extensively in our piece on school violence.

While these efforts are predominantly focused on youth knife crime, their work is changing perceptions and providing education and effective preventative measures. Community outreach programs and educational initiatives aim to tackle the root causes by informing young people about the dangers and consequences of carrying knives. Police partnerships, increased patrolling, and targeted operations in high-risk areas also contribute significantly to these efforts.

Naturally, there is still a great deal of work to be done, as the numbers we have emphasized here show all too clearly. However, this can change and change fast with persistent and coordinated efforts. The first step is education; publications such as ours, in conjunction with continuing efforts by charities and organizations, seek to provide the knowledge necessary to make the correct decisions.