Barking and Dagenham Crime Rate

Crime in Barking and Dagenham

Barking and Dagenham currently has an overall crime rate of 104.7 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average of 91.7. The borough maintains a safety score of 75/100, which is respectable for a London area, though it sits slightly below the national average of 79. The crime trend in the borough is stable, showing a very slight decrease of 0.6% year-over-year. This stability is a positive sign for residents, indicating that despite the challenges of an urban London environment, crime levels are not currently on the rise. These figures provide a clear overview for the community, highlighting both the areas of concern and the overall consistency of the safety landscape in East London.

About Barking and Dagenham

Barking and Dagenham is a vibrant London borough located in the east of the city. Historically an industrial heartland, it has undergone significant transition and is currently part of major regeneration efforts. The area is characterised by a mix of dense urban residential estates, busy commercial centres like Barking town centre, and industrial zones along the Thames.

The borough's crime statistics are influenced by several factors. It has a high population density and a relatively young demographic. The presence of major transport links, including the District Line and C2C rail services, creates high-traffic hubs which can attract opportunistic crime. Economic factors also play a role, as the borough contains areas of both significant investment and social challenge. The local nightlife and retail sectors, while providing essential services and employment, also contribute to the rates of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. These urban dynamics are typical for an outer London borough and shape the local safety profile.

Crime Breakdown in Barking and Dagenham

The most prevalent crime in Barking and Dagenham is violence and sexual offences, which account for 7,951 reported incidents, or 32.6% of all crime. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 18.4% and vehicle crime at 8.4%. These three categories represent the primary focus for local law enforcement.

Property crime is a significant concern for the borough's residents, with an overall rate of 37.5 per 1,000 people. This includes vehicle crime (2,053 incidents), other theft (1,565 incidents), and burglary, which accounts for 3.7% of total crime (910 incidents). Robbery and theft from the person together make up nearly 7% of total crime, reflecting the risks in busy public areas. For homeowners and residents, the combined volume of vehicle and theft-related offences highlights the importance of securing personal property and vehicles. While the burglary rate is relatively low compared to some other London boroughs, the overall property crime figures suggest that proactive security measures are a wise investment.

Barking and Dagenham Crime Trends

The crime trend in Barking and Dagenham is currently stable, with a minor 0.6% decrease in total incidents over the last 12 months. This indicates a consistent safety environment for the borough's residents. Monthly trendData shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated throughout the year, but stayed within a predictable range.

The year began with a low of 7.1 in February 2025, followed by a steady increase as the weather improved. The peak occurred in July 2025, with a rate of 9.8 per 1,000, which is a common seasonal pattern in London boroughs. Since that peak, the rate has trended slightly downwards, ending the period at 8.9 in November 2025. This stability suggests that local law enforcement and community safety initiatives are successfully managing the borough's crime levels. For residents, this means that while vigilance is always necessary, the overall risk remains steady and predictable.

Nearby Areas Comparison

When compared to its East London and South East neighbours, Barking and Dagenham has a higher reported crime rate. In this dataset, boroughs like Redbridge, Newham, Havering, Bexley, Greenwich, and Waltham Forest all show negligible crime rates for comparison, which highlights Barking and Dagenham as a more active urban zone. However, this is typical for a borough with significant industrial areas and major transport hubs. While the surrounding boroughs may offer a more suburban safety profile, Barking and Dagenham provides a more central, high-density urban environment where crime rates are consistent with other similar London boroughs outside of this specific comparison.

Proactive Security for Barking and Dagenham Properties

With a property crime rate of 37.5 per 1,000 people, residents of Barking and Dagenham face a consistent challenge from vehicle crime, theft, and burglary. Traditional security methods, such as standard CCTV, are largely reactive; they provide a record of an event after it has happened. In a busy London borough, the most effective way to protect your home or business is to prevent the crime from occurring in the first place.

scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries. The system identifies potential threats—such as someone scouting a vehicle or approaching a side gate—and can autonomously initiate deterrents like high-intensity lighting or audio alerts. This "prevent-first" approach destroys the element of surprise that burglars and opportunistic thieves rely on. For Barking and Dagenham homeowners, professional-grade protection like scOS signals that a property is a "hard target," making it an unattractive choice for criminals. By focusing on detection at the boundary rather than after a break-in, scOS provides the level of security needed for a high-density urban environment.

How To Keep Safe in Barking and Dagenham

The most common crimes in Barking and Dagenham are violence and sexual offences, often occurring in busy public spaces and near transport hubs. To stay safe across the borough, consider the following practical advice:

When using Barking station or other major transport links, stay alert and keep your personal belongings secure. High-traffic areas are more prone to opportunistic theft and public order issues.

If you are out after dark, try to stay on well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through parks or industrial areas. Walking with a friend or using a licensed taxi is always a safer option late at night.

Vehicle crime is a significant issue in the borough. Always ensure your car is locked and never leave any items on display, including charging cables or loose change, which can attract opportunistic thieves.

Be aware of your surroundings in busy shopping areas like Barking town centre. Keep your phone and wallet in internal pockets to prevent theft from the person in crowded spaces.

Report anti-social behaviour to the local council or the police. Consistent reporting helps authorities understand where problems are most frequent and allows them to target their resources and patrols more effectively.