Barking and Dagenham Crime Rate

Barking and Dagenham, located in East London, has an overall crime rate of 104.9 per 1,000 people. This figure is higher than the UK national average of 91.6, contributing to a safety score of 75/100. While the crime rate is elevated, the trend direction is stable, with only a marginal 0.3% increase in year-over-year offences. This suggests that while the borough faces the typical safety challenges of a high-density London area, the situation is not rapidly deteriorating. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, monthly trends for 2025, and practical safety advice to help residents and visitors stay secure in the local area.

Barking and Dagenham is a vibrant but complex outer London borough, historically known for its strong industrial roots, particularly the Ford Dagenham plant. Today, it is an area of significant urban regeneration and demographic change. Its characteristics are primarily urban and residential, with large social housing estates and new riverside developments. The borough features several major transport hubs and arterial roads like the A13, which can influence vehicle crime rates. As one of the most affordable boroughs in London, it has a high population density and a young, diverse demographic. Economic challenges and pockets of deprivation coexist with new investment, creating a varied socio-economic landscape. The presence of busy retail parks and a growing film industry hub adds to the area's activity levels. These factors, combined with its position on the edge of East London, contribute to a crime rate that reflects the challenges of a high-density metropolitan environment.

In Barking and Dagenham, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 32.5% of all incidents (7,940 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is also highly prevalent at 18.5%, followed by vehicle crime at 8.5%. These top three categories highlight the primary concerns for residents: personal safety and the security of their property.

Property crime in the borough is a significant factor, with an overall rate of 37.6 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, vehicle crime is the most frequent at 2,071 incidents. Other significant property crimes include 'other theft' (6.3%), criminal damage and arson (5.8%), and burglary (3.7%). Robbery also accounts for 3.7% of total crimes. For homeowners and residents, the high rate of vehicle crime and the combined volume of theft and burglary suggest that property security is a critical daily consideration. The data indicates that vehicles are at a higher risk than homes, though both require robust protection.

The crime trend in Barking and Dagenham is currently stable, showing a very slight increase of 0.3% year-over-year. This indicates that while crime levels are high, they are not significantly escalating. Looking at the monthly data for 2025, the crime rate per 1,000 people started at 7.8 in January and saw a gradual rise through the spring.

The rate peaked in July at 9.8 per 1,000, which is a common seasonal pattern in London boroughs as warmer weather leads to more people being out in public spaces. Following this peak, the rate fluctuated slightly but generally trended downwards toward the end of the year, finishing at 8.3 in December. This consistency suggests that the local safety environment is predictable, with expected seasonal variations. For residents, this means that while vigilance is always required, there are no sudden surges in activity that would suggest a major change in the borough's overall safety profile.

In the context of East London and its borders, Barking and Dagenham's crime rate of 104.9 is part of a varied regional picture. Nearby areas such as Redbridge, Newham, Havering, Bexley, Greenwich, and Waltham Forest are listed with exceptionally low reported crime figures in this specific dataset. This comparison highlights Barking and Dagenham as a high-activity urban hub within the region. For residents and those considering moving to the area, this data underscores the importance of choosing well-secured properties and staying informed about local safety initiatives, as the borough experiences a higher volume of recorded crime than many of its immediate neighbours.

In a high-density London borough like Barking and Dagenham, where the property crime rate is 37.6 per 1,000, standard security measures often fall short. Most traditional CCTV systems are reactive—they simply provide a video recording of a crime after it has happened. This might help with a police report, but it doesn't stop the intruder from taking your belongings or damaging your property.

For Barking and Dagenham residents, the scOS AI-powered security system offers a proactive solution. By monitoring property boundaries in real-time, scOS identifies potential threats before they reach your home. Its autonomous response system, which can activate lights and speakers, is designed to deter burglars during the critical 60 seconds they take to evaluate a target. In an area where vehicle crime is particularly high (2,071 incidents annually), scOS’s ability to verify vehicles and detect suspicious loitering is a significant advantage. Moving from recording crime to actively preventing it provides the highest level of protection for your home and family in a busy urban environment.

How To Keep Safe in Barking and Dagenham

With violence and sexual offences being the most common crime type in Barking and Dagenham, personal safety is a primary concern. In a busy metropolitan borough, staying alert and taking proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Firstly, always be aware of your surroundings, especially when using public transport or walking through busy areas like Barking town centre. Avoid distractions like using your phone or wearing headphones in quiet or poorly lit streets. Secondly, plan your journeys in advance and stick to well-lit, populated routes. If you are out late, try to travel with friends and use licensed mini-cabs or apps rather than walking alone. Third, given the high rate of vehicle crime, always ensure your car is locked, parked in a secure or well-lit area, and that no valuables are left on display. Finally, consider joining local community safety groups or neighbourhood watch schemes to stay informed about local issues and support collective security efforts in your area. Broadly, maintaining a high level of vigilance in public spaces is the best way to stay safe.