Crime rates in London 2023

Overview of Crime in London 2023

As we step into the second quarter of the year, a comprehensive look at crime data for London in 2023 offers both a snapshot of the current situation and a basis for comparison with past years. With a total of 894,215 reported crimes, the picture is mixed across different categories.

The most frequently reported crime was anti-social behaviour, constituting 28.55% of all reported incidents. This was closely followed by violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 28.19% of total crimes. The least prevalent were possession of weapons offences, making up only 0.57% of the total. Other significant categories included other theft (13.80%), vehicle crime (11.87%), and theft from the person (6.90%).

In comparison to cities worldwide, London’s crime index as of 2023 is 53.8, with a safety index of 46.2​​. This means London has a relatively moderate crime level compared to other major cities around the globe.

For instance, cities with the highest crime indices are Caracas, Venezuela (83.6), Pretoria, South Africa (82.0), Durban, South Africa (81.0), Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (80.7), and Johannesburg, South Africa (80.7)​​. Compared to these cities, London’s crime index is significantly lower, indicating a safer environment.

However, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary within different areas of the city, and the overall crime index might not reflect the safety situation in specific neighbourhoods. It’s also crucial to remember that the index is based on perceptions of visitors of this website in the past 3 years, and it doesn’t necessarily represent the actual crime rates or safety levels.

Which Are The Most Dangerous Boroughs In London?

When assessing borough-specific crime rates, the City of London stands out with a crime rate 762% higher than the London average. Here are the top 10 most dangerous boroughs, based on the crime rate:

City of London – 762% more dangerous than the London average

Westminster – 213% more dangerous

Kensington and Chelsea – 39% more dangerous

Camden – 39% more dangerous

Islington – 22% more dangerous

Southwark – 14% more dangerous

Hackney – 14% more dangerous

Hammersmith and Fulham – 12% more dangerous

Haringey – 11% more dangerous

Lambeth – 8% more dangerous

When it comes to borough-specific crime rates, the City of London stands out as the most dangerous with a staggering 762% higher crime rate than the London average. Following closely behind are Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea, both with significantly higher crime rates at 213% and 39% respectively.

Camden and Islington also have a crime rate that is 39% and 22% higher than the London average, making them among the top five most dangerous boroughs in London. Southwark and Hackney follow closely behind with a crime rate that is 14% more dangerous than the London average.

Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, and Lambeth complete the list of the top ten most dangerous boroughs in London, with crime rates that are 12%, 11%, and 8% more dangerous than the London average, respectively.

It’s important to note that while these boroughs have higher crime rates compared to the London average, they are still relatively safe areas to live in. However, it’s always wise to take precautions and stay vigilant when living or visiting any area with a higher crime rate.

Which Are The Safest London Boroughs?

If you’re concerned about safety in London, it’s important to know which boroughs have the lowest crime rates. Fortunately, there are several boroughs that have managed to maintain crime rates below the city-wide average. In fact, Harrow and Richmond upon Thames are tied for the title of safest boroughs.

To give you a better idea of where these safe boroughs are located, here are the top 10 safest boroughs in London:

Harrow – 37% safer than the London average

Richmond upon Thames – 37% safer

Bexley – 33% safer

Sutton – 32% safer

Kingston upon Thames – 31% safer

Merton – 29% safer

Bromley – 28% safer

Barnet – 27% safer

Wandsworth – 24% safer

Havering – 23% safer

By knowing which boroughs are the safest, individuals and businesses can take appropriate measures to ensure their safety. This information is especially useful for those who are new to London or unfamiliar with the city’s crime landscape. By taking precautions and staying informed, you can help keep yourself and your community safe.

London’s Crime Trends

A look at crime trends over the past few years reveals a complex picture. 

London’s crime trends have shown a mix of improvements and worsening conditions over the past few years. Certain categories of crime have seen a decrease, indicating safer conditions, while others have seen an increase, making them areas of concern. The period from 2019 to 2022 provides a snapshot of these changes.

Crimes that have seen a decreasing trend, making these areas safer, include bicycle theft, burglary, possession of weapons, robbery (including mugging), shoplifting, and vehicle crime. For instance, burglary decreased from 9 per 1,000 residents in 2019 to 6 per 1,000 residents in 2022. Robbery (including mugging) has also seen a significant decrease, from 4.4 per 1,000 residents in 2019 to 3.0 per 1,000 residents in 2022.

However, several types of crime have shown a worsening trend, including anti-social behaviour, drugs, other crime, other theft, public order, theft from the person (including pickpocketing), and violence and sexual offences. Notably, anti-social behaviour increased from 27 per 1,000 residents in 2019 to 29 in 2022, and violence and sexual offences also saw an increase from 26 per 1,000 residents in 2019 to 28 in 2022. This indicates a need for more targeted measures to address these rising crime categories.

Sources:

https://crimerate.co.uk/london

https://www.numbeo.com/crime/rankings.jsp

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In light of these statistics, it is essential for businesses in London to take appropriate measures to safeguard their employees, customers, and assets. This includes investing in comprehensive security services, maintaining vigilance, and fostering a culture of safety within your organisation. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help safeguard your business in an ever-changing environment.

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