To find a safe borough to live, we need to know dangerous place in London. UK has high crime rate, it’s important to know dangerous areas in London where caution should be taken. In this post we shall explore 10 most dangerous areas in London.

When we think of dangerous areas in London, we often think of places like Rio de Janeiro in Brazil or Marseille in France, but the UK has its fair share of dangerous areas where caution should be taken.

The 32 borough areas comprise the majority of the London region. London Borough Councils oversee each borough. The government established these boroughs on April 1, 1965. Of course, London is a well-known travel destination.

It is a wonderful destination to visit, live, and work because of its stunning and historic architecture, lush and green environs, such as those along the banks of the River Thames, and its standing as a global metropolis with cutting-edge urban infrastructure.

Twelve of these thirty boroughs in London are called inner boroughs, while the remaining twenty are called outer boroughs. The boroughs of London have a combined population of 1-3,000,000 and cover an area of 15-150 square kilometres.

The boroughs’ population strength, location, and density determine which ones are designated as inner and outer boroughs. Comparing the inner London boroughs to the outside ones, the former has a lower population density. The borough councils in each of these boroughs are responsible for providing services.

Statistics on the Crime Rate in London | Overall Crime Rate In London

2023 saw a rise in London’s crime rate from January to December, from 87 per 1,000 people in 2022 to 108.2 offences per 1000 persons in 2023.

Nevertheless, these data demonstrate that the average crime rate in dangerous areas in London needs to accurately reflect the more hazardous boroughs, with Westminster and the City of London showing average crime rates that are occasionally five or six times higher than the average these are the notorious crime areas in london.

Background Knife Crime In London Statistics (Dangerous Areas In London)

Comparable data sets from various reporting periods shed new insight into the number of knife crime In London – related killings and across the nation. Data from Public Health England, Statista, the ONS, and the Met Police show a pattern of youth vulnerabilities and the degree to which youth view bladed weapons as an option. The hotspot map of all knife-related killings in London in 2022 is shown below.

Data sets compiled by Statista, which classify killings involving knives in London, include numbers for January through December of 2022. These figures indicate that out of 107 homicides in London in 2022, 67 were the consequence of knife assaults, with 37 victims being 20 years of age or younger.

In addition to this data collection with a focus on London, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has provided insight into the overall picture, which is consistent with the same groups of people becoming victims or arrested for knife crime. The 6-year trend of knife crime in London is shown below.

According to data collected over 12 months ending in March 2022, the number of knife attack deaths in England and Wales in 2021–2022 was the highest in 76 years. Staying safe in london in London should be your top priority.

In Wales and England, the number of male victims increased from 184 to 218—a rise of 18%. Teenage males between the ages of 16 and 17 had the biggest increase in volume nationwide (10 murders to 24 homicides), which is consistent with the most current statistics on knife crime deaths in London by age.

These more seasoned criminals have probably exposed and exploited the weaknesses of younger members of society who could be prone to pressure from older teenagers or adults, especially those participating in gang activity. This is more pertinent now that we know about COVID-19 and its impact on the younger generation in society.

10 Most Dangerous Areas In London for 2024 (Worst Boroughs) | Places To LIve In London With High Crime Rate

The following are London’s top ten areas with the highest number of crimes reported (London neighborhoods to avoid);

1. Newman

It is situated more eastward than Tower Hamlets and is home to the Olympic Stadium and Park. For every square kilometer, 800 offences are reported annually. Upton Park, Beckton, and Stratford are the hotspot regions.

Even if there have been improvements recently, Newham remains one of the riskiest neighbourhoods in London. Fortunately, there are more positive areas than negative ones. Stay away from the nasty ones.

Newham had 93 recorded crimes per 1,000 residents, with Stratford topping the list of the borough’s riskiest areas. Similar to Lambeth, Newham has one of the highest rates of drug-related crime and is mostly plagued by it. It’s also well-known for having a lot of gang activity.

Apart from those above, many other criminal activities still occur, mostly theft and robbery. The borough’s high crime rate is related to the large number of people who live in substandard homes and poverty.

2. Tower Hamlets (Central London)

Tower Hamlets, east of the City of London, has a high rate of inner-city (or East end) crime, with 940 crimes committed annually per square kilometre. Whitechapel, Bethnal Green, Spitalfields, and Banglatown are among Tower Hamlets’ hotspots.

Most dangerous areas to Live in London for 2024- 10 Most dangerous areas to Live in London for 2024

3. Southwark

Southwark ranks ninth with 980 crimes per square km annually. Southwark is a relatively simple area in South London that will see an improvement sometime soon, as some hippest youth are being priced out of Lambeth, a more costly neighbourhood. The crime hotspots include cathedrals, The Lane, Chaucer, Grange, East Walworth, and Camberwell Green.

4. Kensington and Chelsea

Kensington and Chelsea, with 1,010 recorded crimes per square kilometre annually, is London’s seventh most criminalized borough. Earl’s Court and Brompton are the hotspots.

5. Hammersmith and Fulham

Hammersmith and Fulham, in West London, is likewise a pricey neighbourhood, but it does not guarantee that there won’t be any crimes there; according to the data, slightly over 1,000 crimes are registered annually per square kilometre. Shepherd Bush Green and Hammersmith Broadway are the hotspots.

6. Camden

With 1,110 crimes recorded per square kilometre annually, Camden’s high ranking as one of the most crime-ridden areas in London may be explained by the area’s popularity with tourists and vibrant nightlife. Camden’s highest crime areas are Holborn, Covent Garden, Camden Town, Bloomsbury, Regent’s Park and King’s Cross.

7. Lambeth

Lambeth has a long history of crime, dating back decades, thanks to Brixton. With 1,110 crimes reported annually per square kilometre, Lambeth continues to have a high crime rate in London. Brixton, Coldharbour, Clapham Town, Oval, and St Leonards are higher-risk places.

Even though it’s not quite as big as Westminster, Lambeth is nonetheless a well-liked tourist destination. The Archbishop of Canterbury resides at Lambeth Palace, the most well-known landmark in the borough. The crime rate in Lambeth varies from ward to ward; some are essentially safe, while others have orders telling residents not to attend.

There are usually 96 crimes—of varying degrees of severity—per 1,000 residents in Lambeth.

8. Hackney

At 1,180 crimes per square kilometre annually, Hackney has one of the highest rates of crime in the entire city. Hackney is gradually becoming a fairly affluent neighbourhood with wealthy and impoverished residents living in less costly housing. Haggerston, Dalston, Hoxton, and Hackney Central are areas to be wary of.

9. Islington

The borough of Islington, located north of Central London, reports 1,490 crimes annually per square kilometre of area. This borough is not well-known for tourism and has a high crime rate. Three of its most notorious crime hotspots are Barnsbury, Finsbury Park, and Bunhill.

10. Westminster (West London)

Because portions of Westminster are located in the city centre, the borough has one of the highest population densities and crime rates in all of London. For every square kilometre, 1,580 crimes are reported. There are more people in Westminster than in most other boroughs because it is a popular destination for tourists and commuters in London.

Similar to other parts of London, the most common kind of violence is against people, primarily because of gang rivalry in the borough. Once more, this mostly affects young people who are exposed to gang culture at an early age. Given the high number of drug-related offences that are reported to the police, Westminster is sometimes referred to as a drug hotspot.

11. Enfield

Enfield, another borough in North London, is among the riskiest areas of the city. Enfield is in the top ten communities, with 85 offences recorded per 1,000 people by the police.

Hammersmith and Fulham -10 Most Dangerous Areas In London For 2024

There are safe locations in Enfield and areas you should stay away from, such as Edmonton Green and Enfield Town. Though motor crime is slightly more common than in other London boroughs, violence and sexual offences account for the majority of crimes in the borough.

Enfield is also well-known for its gang culture, which has killed numerous people, both inside and outside the gangs. Because knives are frequently the weapon of choice, knife crime has been continuously increasing.

12. Peckham

Peckham, a neighbourhood in southeast London, is home to 701,552 people. The few things Peckham has to offer are probably drugs, knives, guns, and murders. Almost every part of it is full of thug dealers or new blood that are soon-to-be killers.

13. Tottenham

Tottenham was split into Tottenham North and Tottenham South, two distinct constituencies. Tottenham is one of the poorest areas in London, and it is a failed area plagued with crime, unemployment, welfare dependency, race hustlers, gangs, guns, drugs, etc.

14. Croydon (South London)

Croydon is not good for kids; there are gangs of 14 to 20 odd-year-olds wailing around the streets, thinking they own the place; they are violent and don’t care. Thugs here are not at all talk; they would kill, shoot or stab whenever they find fit.

South London, which has its crime issue, is the opposite of North London. Croydon is one of the most infamous boroughs in this area, home to celebrities like Sue Perkins and Kate Moss. The borough, which has little to offer tourists other than history, was one of the most significant industrial centres of the 20th century.

In Croydon, there were 82 reports per 1,000 residents. With almost twice as many complaints of crimes as Broad Green and Selhurst, Fairfield had the most. The vibrant nightlife of Croydon Town Centre provides an ideal chance for criminal activity, making it a dangerous place to be.

The worst borough in London for violence and sexual offences is Croydon, where car crime is also a major problem. Poverty and substandard living circumstances drive many Croydon residents, as they do in many of these boroughs, to turn to crime.

15. Stockwell

Stockwell is divided into two turfs. North Stockwell is home to the 0.31 blood set gangs with the same rivalry gang, ABM67. South Stockwell has been given the nickname shot hole for a large number of gun crimes in the area.

THE SAFEST AREAS IN LONDON TO LIVE IN 2024 | Safest Places To Live With Low Crime Rate

Even while everyone is secure in London, especially visitors, you need to exercise caution because pickpocketing and mugging sometimes happen. The top 10 safest neighbourhoods in London are listed here, these are the safest Places to live with low crime rate;

According to official Metropolitan Police crime data, Richmond is the safest neighbourhood in London.

1. Richmond (Central London)

One of the safest neighbourhoods in the central London is Richmond-upon-Thames, first established as a royal retreat in the sixteenth century.

Richmond, one of the most picturesque areas to reside in, is located southwest of the city on a riverbank. On weekends, many people go there to take advantage of the sun, large parks, and open green spaces, as well as the fantastic restaurants, bars, and shopping options.

Since it is London’s least dangerous neighbourhood, many celebrities have made their permanent homes there. It is 9.2 miles from Central London and has a crime rate of 54 offences per thousand residents.

2. Bexley

Bexley, one of the safest neighbourhoods in London, is a community recognized for its low costs and sense of community. It is located on the outskirts of southeast London.

There are plenty of open spaces, like Bexleyheath, and the neighbourhood is bustling with independent cafés and charming pubs. It also seems more like a hamlet with quick access to the city. As previously said, Bexley has a true sense of community, as seen by the hip cafés that serve fresh vegetables, the town centre butcher that has been providing for the locals for decades, and the tea room in the library where everyone gathers to spend their afternoons catching up on the latest rumours.

Bexley is 13.7 miles from Central London and has a crime rate of 56 offences per thousand residents.

3. Thames (South London)

Thus, Kingston, which is slightly over a mile from Richmond upon Thames, is among the safest places to reside in London. Kingston has a bustling riverfront, many stores and eateries, and a renowned theatre.

In addition, several trains may get you to Waterloo in less than half an hour. 10.7 miles from Central London, Kingston-upon-Thames has a crime rate of 57 offences per thousand residents.

Thames -10 Most Dangerous Areas In London For 2024

4. Sutton

Sutton, located in southwest London, is renowned as a tranquil, peaceful neighbourhood ideal for families. It is also one of the safest locations to live in London, including an active town centre, a large number of open areas, top-notch grammar schools, and regular farmers’ markets with fresh vegetables.

This is the ideal location for settling down. Additionally, there are quick, simple, and accessible transportation options that will have you in London in no time. Sutton is 12.2 miles from Central London and has a crime rate of 57 offences per 1000 residents.

5. Harrow

That being said, Harrow, the safest borough in Northwest London, is the best choice for those seeking excellent schools and reasonably priced housing. Home to some of the most amazing private institutions, such as the boys’ Harrow School, which none other than Sir Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister, attended.

It’s a highly multicultural neighbourhood with two sizable retail malls, dozens of adorable cafés, and excellent transit connections into London. Harrow is 13.7 miles from London and has a crime rate of 63 per thousand residents.

Which Area of London Has The Highest Crime Rate (dangerous Place in London)?

The crime rates in London can change over time, and it is advisable to check the latest statistics from official sources. Historically, areas such as Westminster, Camden, and Southwark have been reported to have higher crime rates.

What is the Safest Area to Live in London (Safest Places to live)?

Richmond upon Thames, Kingston upon Thames, and Sutton are often considered among the Safest Places to live. However, safety can vary, and staying informed about current conditions is essential.

What is the most common crime in London?

Theft, knife crime and robbery are among the most common crimes in London. Pickpocketing, particularly in crowded tourist areas, is also a concern.

Where not to go in London at night (dangerous Place in London)?

While London is generally safe, avoiding poorly lit and less crowded areas at night is advisable. Some areas, like parts of Hackney or certain estates, may have higher crime rates, so it is essential to stay vigilant.

What are the main precautions for tourists in London In 2024?

Tourists should be cautious of their belongings, especially in crowded places. Avoid displaying valuable items openly, be aware of your surroundings, and use well-lit and populated routes, particularly at night.

Are there any no-go zones for tourists in London (Dangerous Boroughs)?

While London is generally safe, it is recommended to exercise caution in certain areas, especially at night. Specific locations may have higher crime rates or be less tourist-friendly, so it is wise to research and stay informed.

How effective is London’s public transportation system for tourists?

London has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including buses, trains, and the iconic London Underground. It is generally considered safe and convenient for tourists, providing easy access to major attractions.

What measures does London take to ensure public safety during major events?

London employs heightened security measures during major events, including increased police presence, surveillance, and crowd management. Tourists are advised to follow any guidance or instructions provided during such events.

Is it safe to use ATMs in London?

Using ATMs in well-lit and busy areas is generally safe. However, caution should be exercised to avoid isolated ATMs, especially at night. Always shield your PIN and be aware of your surroundings.

How prevalent is cybercrime in London, and what precautions should visitors take?

Cybercrime is a concern worldwide, and London is no exception. Visitors should use secure networks, avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, and be cautious about sharing personal information online to prevent falling victim to cyber threats.

Final Words

London, the bustling capital of the United Kingdom, is a vibrant and diverse city. However, like any major metropolitan area, it has its share of safety concerns.

London is a world-class city with both good and bad, and even though the good mostly overshadows the bad, you should still be wary of the city at its worst. Apart from the presence of crime ranging from petty to violent, the above neighborhoods are often plagued with poverty and drug problems.

With this list in hand, you should be able to avoid the ugly side of London and make memories to last you a lifetime. From trying out the best fare at these London food tours to walking across the best bridges in London, which one will you try first?

10 Most Dangerous Areas In London For 2024