London Crime Rates - What’s going on in the Capital?

London Crime Rates - What’s going on in the Capital? 

“It's falling apart. It's a failed society by every metric you could possibly measure it. It is absolutely failing… You can’t even walk around with a watch on, it’s disgusting’ - Piers Morgan Uncensored

The opinion above is one shared by many, that London is seeing an unprecedented rise in crime and illegal activity.

London is one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world, but like any major city, it's not without its challenges - especially when it comes to crime. The city’s crime rates have been a topic of discussion for years, with some areas being safer than others and certain types of crime on the rise. 

Which Areas in London Are the Most and Least Dangerous?

London is made up of 32 boroughs, and safety can vary dramatically depending on where you are. Some of the most crime-prone areas include Westminster, Camden, and Kensington and Chelsea. These central areas tend to see more crime, partly due to the high density of people and the number of tourists.

Westminster, for instance, is home to major tourist attractions like Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, making it a hotspot for pickpocketing and other petty crimes.

On the flip side, places like Richmond upon Thames, Harrow and Sutton are often cited as some of the safest boroughs, where the number of Offences per 1000 people came in under 70 in the last year. These areas are unsurprisingly more residential and less densely populated, which of course helps keep crime rates lower.

A Brief History of Crime in London

London has a long and storied history when it comes to crime. From the notorious Jack the Ripper murders in the 1880s, to the rise of organised crime in the mid-20th century, the city has seen its fair share of dark moments. However, modern crime in London has shifted from those infamous gangland tales to more everyday issues like street crime, drug-related offences, and cybercrime.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, London saw a significant drop in crime, thanks in part to better policing strategies and technological advancements like CCTV. However, crime rates have fluctuated over the years, with recent spikes raising concerns among residents.

Has there been a recent rise in London crime?

In much of the media and commentary at the moment, London is depicted as a cesspit of crime and degeneracy, but has this always been the case or have we seen a recent rise? 

According to the Metropolitan police, in the last 12 months from July (July 2023-July 2024) overall crime has risen across London by 4.2% compared to the 12 months prior (July 2022-July 2023). 

The most common crimes include, Theft, Violence against the person and Vehicle Offences. While the top offences differ between the 32 boroughs, these 3 types are the most prevalent when looking at London as a whole. 

The Rise of Knife Crime and Phone Robberies

In recent years, knife crime has become one of the most alarming issues in London, as the capital has seen a disturbing rise in stabbings, particularly among young people.

According to the Met Police, when comparing the last 12 months to the 12 months prior, Knife crime has risen by 9.4%, with areas such as Westminster, Croydon and Lambeth leading the rise. It is worth noting that these figures may not be an accurate representation of the true level of crime due to violence, particularly gang violence, not always being reported to the police. 

The reasons behind this trend are complex, involving everything from gang culture to social inequality. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has made tackling knife crime a priority, however it remains a difficult challenge.

Another crime on the rise is phone robberies. With everyone glued to their smartphones, thieves have found an easy target. Whether it’s snatching a phone right out of someone’s hand or using electric bikes/mopeds to make a quick getaway, these crimes are becoming increasingly common, especially in busy areas like Oxford Street and Covent Garden.

High-Profile Protests in Central London

Central London is no stranger to protests, and in recent years we’ve seen several high-profile demonstrations that have brought parts of the city to a standstill.

From climate change protests by Extinction Rebellion to anti-immigration rallies, these events often draw large crowds and, at times, lead to clashes with the police. While most protests are peaceful, there have been incidents where things have gotten out of hand, adding to the perception of unrest in the city.

For instance, a series of protests and counter-protests hosted by groups such as Just Stop Oil, Extinction Rebellion and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) have drawn large crowds where arrests are often made. Also, more than 100 people were arrested along Whitehall, Central London, at one of many far-right protests that occurred up and down the country following the Southport knife attack. 

Going forward, the frequency of arrests made at these gatherings could see an uptick as the Met Police deputy chief recently came out stating ‘mistakes were made’ at a number of recent protests, and that officers will ‘arrest people quicker at protests from now on’. 

How London’s Crime Compares to Other Cities

So, how does crime in London stack up against other UK cities and global metropolises?

In comparison to other cities in the UK, like Manchester and Birmingham, London does have higher crime rates, but that's also partly because it's much larger and more densely populated. However, when you compare London to other major cities worldwide, like New York or Paris, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. While London’s overall crime rates are comparable, the types of crime can differ. For example, gun crime is much lower in London than in many US cities, but knife crime is a more significant issue here.

London is a dynamic city that attracts millions of people every year, but like any urban centre, it has its challenges when it comes to crime. While some areas are safer than others, and certain types of crime are on the rise, it’s essential to keep things in perspective. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, staying informed and being cautious can go a long way in keeping you safe in the capital.

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