The 15 Most Dangerous Areas in London

London is a city that is as iconic as it is complex. With a rich history of over 2000 years, the capital city has grown from a Roman settlement into one of the largest and most influential cities in the world with approximately 30 million visits a year.

London has gone through a number of changes over time, especially when it comes to crime. Once, the city was notorious for historical crimes like serial killing by Jack the Ripper around the Whitechapel district of London in 1888. Now, the city faces modern challenges as a bustling urban hub. London also offers many free things to do in the London city that are quite enjoyable as well.

How London is Divided

While London offers plenty of safe and vibrant places, some spots rank as the most dangerous areas in London. But before diving into the list of worst areas in London, let us talk about how London is divided.

London is split into 32 different regions each known as a borough or local government district. Each borough is managed by the London Borough Council, managing services like schools, housing, and public safety. These boroughs were created on April 1, 1965 due to expansion of the city.

The 32 boroughs are further divided into 12 inner and 20 outer boroughs on the basis of population, area, and population density. These boroughs can differ from one another, from the tourist packed streets of Westminster to the quieter, suburban areas like Richmond.

Boroughs with high population and more tourist visits are seen to have increased crime rates recently and knowing about these dangerous areas in London, will help you stay safe. Now, let’s dive into the boroughs and neighborhoods that make London one of the safest and sometimes dangerous cities in the UK.

Overall Crime Rate in London

London’s crime rate paints a picture of a city where safety and risk can vary widely, depending on where you are. There has been a notable rise in crime rates with 117 crimes per 1000 residents (6.5% more than previous year).

Among the most common crimes is theft, with a staggering 283,902 reported offences. This is hitting both residents and tourists, especially in busy areas with petty thefts to more organized crimes like burglaries.

Another rising concern is violent crime, with 252,568 reported cases. Vehicle crime reported 105,570 offences. The city also contends with arson and criminal damage, which accounted for 58,072 offences. While less common than theft of violent crime, arson and property damage still make up a significant portion of overall crime statistics.

15 Most Dangerous Areas in London

Each of the 32 boroughs in London offers something unique to residents and visitors. However, when it comes to safety, some areas are notorious for being more dangerous. Let’s explore the 15 worst areas in London.

Westminster

The political heart of the UK and iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the House of Parliament. Westminster is home to Buckingham Palace and receives millions of visits each year. But recently many visitors and locals reported an increase in crime rates and declared it the worst area in London.

With a population of 253,137 as of 2019, Westminster’s crime rate is 260% more than other parts of the UK. The area receives 463 crimes per 1000 residents, and it is almost one crime every two persons. There has been an overall 14.8% increase in crime rates in Westminster.

➣ Overall crime rate: 463 crimes per 1000 residents

➣ Theft: 58,036 offences reported in 2025

➣ Violent crime: 11,960 incidents reported

➣ Vehicle crime: 4469 cases reported

➣ Robbery: 4317 reported incidents

Camden

Camden Town, usually shortened to Camden. It is a 4.1 km or 2.5 miles borough in London. Camden is famous for its nightlife and offers several unique spots and activities like live music. Camden borough is home to the British Museum, London Zoo, and famed Camden market.

In addition to its famous tourist attractions, the area is number 2 as the worst area of London. With a population of 24,538, Camden’s crime rate is 39% higher than other areas of the city. Camden is the area with the highest rate of bicycle theft in London and a 12% increase in overall crime rate as compared to previous year.

➣ Overall crime rate: 197.8 crimes per 1000 residents (44% of overall crime)

➣ Theft: 18,799 offences reported in 2025

➣ Violent Crime: 7783 cases reported

➣ Vehicle theft: 3207 incidents

The highest crime areas in Camden are Holborn, Covent Garden, Camden Town, Bloomsbury, Regent’s Park, and King’s Cross.

Kensington and Chelsea

The smallest borough in London is also called the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. It is an inner borough with royal status. The area is famous for its luxurious and expensive multi-million-pound properties, its wealthy residents, and prestigious schools.

It is home to Hyde Park and the Flower Show. But in addition to its luxurious life, the area is also famous for its high crime rates, and it is number 3 in our list of the most dangerous areas in London. With a population of 156,197 the area’s crime rate reaches 175 per 1000 residents.

➣ Overall crime rate: 174.5 crimes per 1000 people

➣ Theft: 9837 cases reported

➣ Shoplifting: 1848 incidents reported

➣ Violent crime: 4660 offences reported

➣ Vehicle crime: 2982 cases reported (mainly vehicle theft cases)

Hackney

Hackney is an inner borough in East London famous for its culture and commercial activities. It has many beautiful attractions like Hackney marshes, Hackney Museum, Broadway market, and Arcola theatre. But it is one of the worst areas in London as far as crime rate is concerned.

Hackney has a population of 279,665, with a 30% higher crime rate than the other parts of the world. It is number 4 on our list of dangerous areas in London. Vehicle theft and violent crimes such as robbery are common crimes inthe area.

➣ Overall crime rate: 140 crimes per 1000 people in the area

➣ Theft: 10,574 incidents reported mostly bicycle thefts (1419 reports)

➣ Violent crime: 8781 cases reported

Tower Hamlets

Home of mighty Tower Brigde, covers most of inner London on the north bank of the River Thames and immediately east end of London. Other famous attractions in the area are Brick Lane, Whitechapel Gallery, and Columbia Road Flower market. It is also famous for its vast international cuisine and cultural diversity.

With a population of 319,821, the area has a crime rate of 100 crimes for every 100,000 people, which is 6% higher than other parts of the city. It ranks 5th on the list of most dangerous areas in London city. Common crimes involve drug trafficking, assault, weapon possession, and theft.

➣ Overall crime rate: 129 crimes per 1000 residents

➣ Theft: 10,989 offences

➣ Violent crimes: 10,716 reported

➣ Vehicle crimes: 3197 incidents reported

Southwark

Situated on the south bank of the River Thames, Southwark is a famous district of central London. It forms the nort-west part of the modern London borough. With a population of 317,256 people and 980 crimes per square km, it takes the 6th spot as the worst area in London.

The most vulnerable parts with higher crime rates in the area are: Cathedrals, The Lane, Chaucer, Grange, East Walworth, and Camberwell Green.

➣ Overall crime rate: 135.7 crimes per 1000 residents

➣ Theft: 14,726 incidents reported

➣ Violent crimes: 9194 cases reported

➣ Burglary: 2562 offences

➣ Vehicle crime: 2765 cases reported

Lambeth

A large residential area famous for its waterfront developments houses a sizable Afro-Caribbean community. The area is famous for its vibrant culture, nightlife, and distinct native currency. Popular destinations in the area include the Imperial War Museum and the Florence Nightingale Museum. It is an attractive spot and equally praised by tourists and locals.

Brixton is the most vulnerable part of Lambeth, with the highest crime rates mostly related to drug trafficking. Other worst areas include Coldharbour, Clapham Town, Oval, and St Leonards.

➣ Overall crime rate: 126 crimes per 1000 residents

➣ Theft: 11,566 incidents reported

➣ Violent crimes: 9940 offences

➣ Recent rising concern: 8 incidences of homicide

Haringey

Haringey, situated in North London, is a borough known for its vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and diverse communities. Areas like Tottenham and Wood Green are particularly well-known, with Tottenham’s football club bringing in crowds from all over.

Despite having beautiful attractions, Harinegy has struggled with high crime rates and is the 8th worst area in London. Haringey has a population of 270,624, and its crime rate stands at 129 crimes per 1000 residents.

The area is facing consistent issues with violent crimes, drug-related offences, and antisocial behavior.

➣ Overall crime rates: 129 crimes per 1000 residents

➣ Theft: 8039 crimes reported

➣ Domestic Burglary: 1297 cases

➣ Vehicle theft: 2589 cases reported

Islington

Islington is a lively and trendy borough in North London. It is known for its bustling nightlife, charming streets, and cultural diversity. It has been the subject of many famous English novels like Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist.

This borough has 23% higher crime rates as compared to other parts of the city which makes it one of the most dangerous areas in London. The most common crimes in the area include drug usage, car and bicycle theft, and pickpocketing.

The most affected parts of this borough are Bunhill, Finsbury Park, and Barnsbury.

➣ Overall crime rate: 145 crimes per 1000 residents

➣ Theft: 10,267 offences

➣ Violent crimes: 7144 crimes reported

➣ Drug crimes: 1196 cases reported

➣ Domestic Burglary: 1188 cases

Croydon

Croydon is one of the largest boroughs in the London city with 15 km area, located in South London. It is a residential area with commercial activities being on the rise. Over the years, Croydon has become a key business hub outside Central London with major retail centers like Whitgift Centre attracting locals and tourists alike.

Despite the development and investment in the infrastructure, Croydon has a reputation as the worst area of London for kids. There is a gang owned by mostly 20-year-old guys who think they own the area, and they are very violent and simply don’t care.

➣ Overall crime rate: 100 crimes per 1000 residents

➣ Theft: 7,602 cases reported

➣ Vehicle crime: 1904 vehicle-related offences

Brent

Brent is located in northwest London. It is a culturally diverse borough known for its landmarks, such as Wembley Stadium, the Swaminarayan Temple, and Kiln Theatre. The borough is a vibrant mix of different communities and cultures, with neighborhoods like Kilburn, Harlesden, and Neasden due to its diversity.

However, alongside the cultural diversity, Brent is also one of the most dangerous areas in London as far as crimes are concerned. The combination of its densely populated neighborhoods and high football around places like Wembley makes it a vulnerable area for various crimes.

➣ Overall crime rate: 102 crimes per 1000 residents

➣ Theft: 6,980 incidents reported

➣ Vehicle crimes: 1838 crimes reported

Barking & Dagenham

Barking and Dagenham is located in the east of Central London, covering 14.4 km of area. It is a historically working-class borough that has undergone significant transformation in recent years. Known for its industrial past, affordable housing, fishing, and growing residential developments, this borough is a popular choice for families.

But it is also among the most deprived parts of London, with half of its children living a life of poverty, which is the basis of the high crime rate in the area. Barking & Dagenham struggles with crimes such as theft, violent crimes, and antisocial behavior. Among the most affected areas of the Borough are Barking town center and residential parts of Dagenham.

➣ Overall crime rate: 116 crimes per 1000 residents

➣ Violent crimes: 7533 offences reported

➣ Weapon possession: 196 instances

➣ Theft: 4520 cases reported

➣ Vehicle crime: 2714 offences

Newham

Newham is located in the inner London part of east London with the fourth highest population among the London boroughs (387,576). It is a fast growing area with Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Westfield Startford City as the main attractions of the city.

Newham’s population is 352,005, and its crime rate is 6% higher than the other parts of London which makes it another worst area in London. The borough faces ongoing challenges with violent crime, theft, and gang-related issues, especially in densely populated neighborhoods.

➣ Overall crime rate: 123 crimes per 1000 residents

➣ Theft: 12,126 incidents reported

➣ Shoplifting: 2304 cases reported

➣ Violent offences: 10m857 incidents

➣ Vehicle crimes: 4901 incidents reported

Greenwich

Situated in southeast London, Greenwich is known for its maritime history, iconic landmarks like Royal Observatory, and vast green spaces such as Greenwich Park. Being a UNESCO World Heritage site, the borough attracts millions of visitors each year. The area also offers a picturesque riverside.

However, despite the ideal features of a town, the crime rate in Greenwich is also high, making it stand among the worst areas in London. With a population of 286,186, It has faced challenges in balancing its status as a tourist hotspot with issues related to theft, violent crime, and vehicle-related offences.

➣ Overall crime rate: 115 crimes per 1000 residents

➣ Theft: 6510 incidents reported

➣ Vehicle crimes: 3105 cases reported

➣ Drug offences: 1439 incidents reported

Lewisham

Lewisham is a populous area with a population of 303,536, located in southeast London. It is known for its green spots, residential areas, local markets, and large student population due to Goldsmiths University. While Lewisham has seen regeneration projects in areas like Deptford and Lewisham Town Centre, it still struggles with high crime rates, making it one of the most dangerous areas in London.

➣ Overall crime rate: 114 crimes per 1000 residents

➣ Violent crimes: 9662 incidents reported

➣ Theft: 6854 cases reported

Conclusion

London is a vibrant, diverse, and culturally rich city. Like any large metropolis, it also faces challenges when it comes to crime. Many areas in the city are the safest in the world and offer great opportunities for living, working, and exploring.

However, certain parts of the city rank among the most dangerous areas in London. From violent crimes in boroughs like Newham and Croydon to high rates of theft and vehicle crime in areas such as Islington and Brent. The city’s crime landscape varies significantly from one neighborhood to another.

Despite ongoing efforts by law enforcement authorities to reduce crime, challenges like social inequality, gang violence, and economic disparity continue to contribute to the city’s crime rates. Areas like Barking and Dagenham, Lewisham, and Greenwich, though rich in history and community, remain some of the worst areas in London.

For both residents and visitors, awareness and caution are key, especially in high-crime areas. While London is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic cities in the world, these most dangerous parts of London highlight the importance of staying informed and taking appropriate precautions.

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