The Safest Boroughs in London

When you are choosing the area that you will be moving into, there are quite a lot of things that you have to think about before you contact the man and van company to come move your boxes. London is divided into 32 boroughs, each governed by a London borough council, which plays a crucial role in managing local services and amenities. For young professionals looking for affordable living close to Central London, the search for the right London borough is paramount. The overall safety of the place that you will be spending the foreseeable future in should be on the top of your priority list. We have taken the time to gather information for some of the safest boroughs in London so that you can make an easier and informed decision on that question.

The criteria for ranking the safest London boroughs:

1. Crime Statistics: Total reported crimes per 1,000 people, types of crimes, and crime per capita, as reported by the Metropolitan Police.
2. Crime Clearance Rate: Percentage of crimes resolved, typically by arrests.
3. Public Perception: Residents’ feelings of safety, sometimes gathered via surveys.
4. Presence of Policing: Visibility of local policing, police stations, and community engagement initiatives.
5. Infrastructure: Well-lit streets, functional CCTV cameras, and urban layout.
6. Community Programs: Presence of community engagement activities, neighborhood watch, and youth programs.
7. Economic Indicators: Factors like employment rates and average income levels.
8. Past Trends: Historical data on crimes per 1,000 people and safety trajectories.
9. Public Facilities: Availability of parks, recreational centers, and libraries.
10. Transportation Safety: Safety of public transportation systems and hubs.
11. Resident Feedback: Anecdotal evidence and reviews from locals.

Taken together, these criteria offer a holistic view of a borough’s safety. Certain boroughs, such as Bexley and Barnet, have crime rates that are lower than those in most London boroughs.

When comparing London’s safest boroughs to other major cities, London tends to fare well. This is largely attributed to the excellent transport links, green spaces, and initiatives undertaken by the local councils.

• The safest borough in London is that of Richmond Upon Thames. Located in south-west London, Richmond is home to the National Physical Laboratory, Kew Gardens, Hampton Court Palace, Twickenham Stadium and the WWT London Wetlands Centre all of which gather the attention of flocks of tourists from all over the world. Now it is declared to be the safest place in London as well. Richmond’s crime rate is considerably lower than the national average, making it a prime choice for many who want the balance of city life with a touch of the countryside, especially given its location within the metropolitan green belt area.
• Bexley comes second on the list of the safest boroughs of London. This might come as a surprising fact to some, bearing in mind what reputation the area had just a couple of decades ago. Either way, the crime rates in the borough have dropped significantly lately, thus rendering Bexley the second safest place in London. Bexley, situated in south east London, has seen an influx of families and young professionals attracted to the affordable living and good schools. The Grade I listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument of Hall Palace is one of the best known attractions in Bexley, but it is no longer the sole reason to come here.
• Sutton is often cited as being one of the best places in London to live in. Many people refer to the fact that the schools in Sutton are among the top ranking in the country, which is definitely a thing to have in mind when you have a family. Interestingly, in contrast to Tower Hamlets, which often comes up as one of the most dangerous London boroughs, Sutton stands out for its low violent crime rates. The Big Society Initiative declared Sutton one of the four “vanguard areas” in 2010. The crime rates in the London Police rapports clearly show that Sutton is also the London borough with the third lowest violence rates in the capital, which is only a plus on its side in our humble opinion.
• The former market town and crowning place for the Anglo-Saxon Kings, the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames also ranks high on the chart of safest places in the capital. There are strict traditions in that respect here and it has been the case for quite a while – at least since the London aristocracy started building their countryside homes here back in the 17^th and 18^th century. Kingston upon Thames, nestled in the south east corner of London, boasts excellent transport links, with the District Line providing easy access to Central London and other parts of the city. Home to landmarks such as the Kingston Museum, the Bentall Centre – the largest shopping mall in the area, the modern Crown Court and a beautiful open green space around the banks of the River Thames, Kingston upon Thames creates an atmosphere of peace and serenity in the heart of the busy metropolis. Moreover, Kingston is recognized as a culturally diverse area, reflecting London’s rich tapestry of communities and cultures.
• The fifth safest borough in London is that of Harrow. It is, among other things, a comfortable and nice suburb in the north western parts of the metropolis, with a thriving art and culture scene and a very strong community spirit which definitely contributes to the overall safety of the area. Curiously enough Harrow is also the most religiously diverse local authority area in the UK. Additionally, Harrow’s average property price remains competitive, especially when compared to other boroughs in North London, making it an attractive option for many.

It’s worth noting that while some boroughs in West London, such as those closer to Heathrow Airport, have higher crime statistics, they also offer a vibrant nightlife and are hubs for international travelers. Conversely, the lush green spaces of Crystal Palace Park in South East London add to the appeal of boroughs in that region. As with any major city, there’s a balance to be struck between affordability, safety, and lifestyle in London**.**

The list was prepared in accordance to the annual rapports about crime rates that are released by the London Police. However, as the capital city continues to evolve, so does the dynamic of safety and community across its numerous London boroughs.

About the Author:

Kim Jacobs

Kim Jacobs is a removals coordinator with over 11 years of experience as part of the Get man and van team and other firms in the home and office relocation industry in London. Before joining our company, Kim has worked in various logistical and transportation companies and institutions such as Transport for London, The Removals Ombudsman, and has coordinated moving projects with some of the biggest suppliers of various goods such as IKEA, HomeBase, Amazon, Sainsbury's and others. While working as a chief removals coordinator, Kim also enjoys sharing her expertise with others through writing in our blog.