Is London Safe? Essential Guide to Exploring the City

London's urban safety is a reflection of the city's law enforcement agency's contributions to controlling crime. It also has a combined impact on the city's economic and social conditions, which can make it safer and more drastic at the same time.

We will have an in-depth discussion on London's safety from relevant sources. This guide will help you decide the safest location to visit or stay. You will also get some helpful safety tips to ensure advanced protection for your family during the visit.

How Safe Is London

London has mixed reviews on its safety. However, according to the statistics from different sources, it is concluded that London has elevated crime rates. According to Numbeo, the safety index of London is only 44.66, which shows that it is a less secure city.

It has more elevated drug dealing cases in which people are consuming and selling it on a higher level. A sudden drop in the crime rate was recorded in 2020/21, but it has again jumped to its highest in the year 2023/24.

Is London Safe To Travel?

London is generally considered safe, with millions of travelers onboarding each year. However, safety concerns have arisen in recent years due to increasing crime. The safety varies according to the area you choose to travel to. According to the recent financial year 2023-2024 statistics, the crime rate has significantly increased compared to previous years. It has an overall crime rate of 105.8 per 1000 people, which is considered higher.

You might be unsafe while traveling to London, but you can choose the areas with the lowest crime rate to travel to. Moreover, it is advised to take the necessary precautions to remain safe wherever you travel.

Safest Places To Stay In London

Richmond

Richmond Upon Thames is one of the safest areas of London, and it has stronger community cohesion. It has low violent and property crime rates, making it a more family-friendly area. The overall crime rate is 54 per 1000 people, which is almost half of the national average. Slightly higher offenses and anti-social behavior cases have been reported. While the major crimes are reportedly lower.

Bexley

Bexley is the 2nd safest area in London where the residents and travelers feel secure. The area has plenty of greenery and well-maintained streets for the residents and visitors. The total crime rate was recorded as 56 per 1000, with the major contributors being offenses. Minor peaks for vehicle theft are also noted. Low violent and property crime rates depict a safer and stronger community environment.

Sutton

Sutton stands 3rd in the safest areas with a slightly elevated crime rate than Richmond and Bexley. It has a low overall crime rate, but slightly higher drug-related issues and offenses were reported. According to the sources, the crime rate is 58 per 1000 people, with low violent crimes reported. It has excellent schooling zones and proactive police patrolling to reduce crime.

Harrow

Harrow is situated on the north side of London, where peaceful walking streets and well-maintained architecture are located. The overall crime rate is 63 per 1000 people lower than the national average. The Pinner Southward is considered one of the safest places to stay or travel if you choose Harrow. Law enforcement agencies are making efforts to reduce the frequency of burglaries and non-violent crime cases.

Bromley

Bromley is also one of the safest areas of London, but according to the residents, there are a few drug-related and loitering cases. The crime hotspots are generally parking lots and supermarkets. However, the area is considered safe, but you must remain cautious of the surroundings.

Dangerous Places Of London To Avoid

London is somewhat more crime-centric, but this is due to certain areas where crime rates remain at their peak. You must avoid these areas while staying here or traveling to. These areas might be unsafe for you while walking at night. You might face armed robberies and other violent crime scenes.

Let's see the list of areas from the web sources that you must avoid.

• Westminster
• Tottenham
• Camden Town
• Hackney
• Peckham
• Newham
• Southwark
• Croydon

Safety Tips To Stay In London

For this level of crime rate, you must remain cautious and practice the safety tips to tackle the crime before it happens. At night, you must stick to well-lit, crowded areas with low chances of crime. Carry limited money and always travel by public transport. Keep yourself away from the bars and pubs, or anywhere you see drug-related offences.

Remember the emergency phone numbers to call quickly when you sense any danger. Do not talk with any strangers and avoid helping them at night. You must check the driver's valid ID before sitting in it. Additionally, avoid walking alone at night and frequently taking your mobile phone from your pocket.

For 24/7 surveillance of your property and cars, you can mount CCTV cameras at your home. Reolink Altas is a perfect choice with 2K resolution, real-time alerts, night vision, and long battery life. Moreover, talk to your neighbors as they can be the first to help you out in case of any issue.

FAQs

1. Is it safe to walk around London at night?

It depends on the area where you are living or traveling to. If the area is safe from major crime, it will be safe to walk around peacefully, but in other cases, it would be risky to walk at night.

2. Is Camden London safe?

Camden, London might be dangerous for you because it has a higher theft crime rate due to the high traffic of travelers. You must be cautious of the pickpockets and thieves nearby.

3. Is Southwark London safe?

Southwark is one of the most dangerous areas of London. It has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, with peak violent and property crimes.

Conclusion

Like every city, London has some safer and riskier areas. It's your duty to do in-depth research before going anywhere. The study will help you identify the livable and avoidable areas in the city. You can also remember the safety tips to remain alert and keep yourself safe from uncertainties.