“Is London dangerous?”
“How dangerous is London?”
“Is London a safe place to visit?”
These are common questions that anyone visiting London for the first time might have. Perhaps you’ve accepted a new job, or you want to visit London as a tourist, the many reports of street crime broadcast in the media can make you feel like London is unsafe. While there are many safe areas in London, there are also some more dangerous places where you could find yourself at higher risk of being a victim of crime. It is always a good idea to do some research into any city, or country that you plan to visit so you can familiarise yourself before you arrive.
If your destination falls in our list of the most dangerous places in London, then these are areas that we advise you to take due care and remain aware of your surroundings to prevent you from falling prey to criminals. It may seem that it is best to avoid these places, but this is not the case, we present this information to you to help you prepare for a worst-case scenario and recommend that you keep your wits about you!
2021 saw a decrease in crime rate across London. This may be mainly down to the pandemic and restrictions that come with it, but it is good to see crime fall. A recent survey shows that more than 60% of Londoners expect crime to increase once restrictions are lifted.
As any city, some parts are inevitably more unsafe than others. Below, are the top ten boroughs of London, from police crime statistics of 2021.
1. Westminster
Westminster covers some of the most visited London attractions. These include Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Oxford Street, Regent Street, The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Unfortunately, it is also the borough with the highest crime rate, pickpocketing and theft being the most common.
2. Kensington & Chelsea
An affluent area, which makes it attractive to potential criminals. It is the smallest London borough but is one of the most populated. The crime rate is high, with over half of the crimes being burglary or theft.
3. Hammersmith & Fulham
Part west and part south London, Hammersmith & Fulham is home to three top football clubs. It is a small but densely populated borough. Violent crimes, theft and burglaries rates are high.
4. Hackney
Part east and part north London, Hackney is a popular area with tourists due to its east end charms. Unfortunately, Hackney has a relatively high crime rate, with violence being high up the list.
5. Camden
A huge tourist attraction, famous for markets, fashion, culture, and music venues. It is home to London Zoo and the British Museum and has a very high crime rate in London, with theft, burglaries and violent crimes top of the list.
6. Islington
A small borough that is mainly residential. It boasts two universities and a lot of student accommodation. Theft and handling stolen goods rates are relatively high here.
7. Haringey
A north London borough that bridges inner and outer London. Attractions include the home to Tottenham Hotspur FC, Alexandra Palace and Finsbury Park. Theft and handling stolen goods are common crimes in Haringey.
8. Southwark
On the South Bank of the Thames, Southwark boasts several bridges connecting to the city. It is home to some of the biggest tourist attractions such as the Tate Modern, Borough Market and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Theft, handling, and pickpocketing are common here due to the crowds of tourists.
9. Newham and Tower Hamlets
Covering areas of east London such as Canary Wharf, the Docklands, and the Isle of Dogs. This is a densely populated borough that sees high rates of theft and handling.
10. Lambeth
Containing many popular attractions and landmarks, Lambeth is at the centre of London. Many hotels, pubs and clubs line the Southbank for tourists to enjoy. Unfortunately, these busy areas bring high rates of theft and violent crime.
For more advice on staying safe in London, please see our post on 22nd June 2020, and other helpful articles on our LinkedIn page and website.
As always, here at Valkyrie, we recommend you stay vigilant and enjoy yourself in this wonderful city.
