Barnet Crime Rate

Barnet is a large and diverse London borough with an overall crime rate of 90.1 per 1,000 people, which is slightly lower than the UK average of 91.6. It maintains a safety score of 81/100, reflecting its status as a generally safe residential and commercial hub. The crime trend in Barnet is currently stable, showing a minor 0.4% decrease year-over-year. This consistency indicates that crime levels are well-established within the borough. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of the types of crime occurring in Barnet, offering residents and businesses a clear understanding of the local safety landscape and the most prevalent risks.

About Barnet

Barnet is one of London's largest and most populous boroughs, characterized by its extensive residential areas, major commercial centres, and significant green spaces. As a key transport hub for North London, it features several major road networks and extensive Underground and rail links, which contribute to a high daily transient population. The borough is home to several major employers and retail destinations, particularly around Brent Cross and North Finchley, which naturally influence local crime statistics.

The borough's characteristics range from high-density urban centres to more suburban and semi-rural neighbourhoods. This diversity in population density and land use means that crime patterns vary significantly across the area. Economic factors and the borough's status as a desirable residential location also play a role, as affluent areas can sometimes attract property-related crime. Understanding these factors helps provide context for Barnet's overall crime rate and its safety score.

Crime in Barnet

Barnet's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 23.3% of all recorded incidents (21.0 per 1,000). This is closely followed by anti-social behaviour at 23.0% and vehicle crime at 10.6%. While these are the most frequent categories, it is important to note that Barnet's overall crime rate remains slightly below the national average.

Property-related crime—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—carries a combined rate of 37.6 per 1,000 residents. Vehicle crime is the most prominent in this category (10.6%), followed by shoplifting (8.0%) and 'other theft' (6.9%). Burglary accounts for 5.6% of total crime, occurring at a rate of 5.1 per 1,000. For homeowners and businesses, these figures suggest a significant risk of opportunistic property crime, particularly vehicle-related incidents and burglary, making robust security measures a critical investment in this large London borough.

Barnet Crime Trends

The crime trend in Barnet is currently stable, with a minor 0.4% decrease in total recorded incidents year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate per 1,000 people remained relatively consistent throughout the year, typically ranging between 6.5 and 8.4.

The year began with rates of 7.1 and 6.5 in January and February, respectively. Activity peaked during the summer months, with July reaching the highest rate of 8.4 per 1,000, followed by a relatively stable autumn. The year concluded with a rate of 7.6 in December. This pattern of stable, consistent activity suggests that crime levels in Barnet are well-established for its urban density, with seasonal fluctuations being the primary driver of monthly change. For residents, this stability provides a predictable, albeit active, security environment.

In a regional comparison, Barnet (90.1 per 1,000) currently exhibits higher crime activity than many of its immediate North London neighbours. Based on the latest data, boroughs such as Brent, Haringey, Harrow, Hertsmere, Camden, and Enfield all record lower crime rates. This positions Barnet as one of the more active metropolitan centres in the region. For those considering the area, this highlights the importance of choosing residential pockets carefully and investing in robust security measures to mitigate the urban crime risks present in the borough.

With a property crime rate of 37.6 per 1,000, Barnet residents and business owners face a significant risk from opportunistic theft and burglary. Traditional security systems like Ring or basic CCTV are reactive—they provide footage of a crime after it has occurred. In a high-density urban environment like Barnet, the most effective approach is to stop the crime before it begins.

scOS offers a proactive AI-driven security solution that monitors your property boundary. It doesn't just record; it identifies and deters. By detecting threats at the property line, scOS can activate autonomous deterrents like lighting and audio warnings, destroying the element of surprise. The system can verify vehicle plates and learn your family’s routines, ensuring you are only alerted to genuine threats. This boundary-first protection is essential for deterring the professional and opportunistic criminals who target properties in busy metropolitan areas like Barnet.

How To Keep Safe in Barnet

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Barnet, followed by anti-social behaviour. While the borough is generally safe, taking practical steps for personal security is recommended.

1. Stay aware of your surroundings when walking through Barnet’s busy commercial and transport hubs, particularly after dark.
2. If you are out late in the evening, try to travel with others and stick to well-lit main roads and busy public areas.
3. Be mindful of your personal belongings in crowded places, such as shopping centres or when using public transport, to deter opportunistic theft.
4. Ensure your home and vehicles are securely locked, as vehicle crime and burglary are notable contributors to local crime statistics.
5. If you witness anti-social behaviour or suspicious activity, report it to the local police to help them target their patrols effectively.