Barnet Crime Rate

Barnet is a large and predominantly residential London borough with a crime rate of 89.4 per 1,000 people, which is slightly lower than the UK national average of 91.7. It maintains a strong safety score of 81/100, indicating a secure environment for its residents. The crime trend in Barnet is currently stable, showing a minor 1.7% decrease year-over-year. This indicates a consistent safety environment despite the challenges typical of a major metropolitan borough. This report provides a detailed analysis of Barnet's crime breakdown, historical trends, and comparisons with neighbouring areas to offer residents a clear view of their local safety landscape.

Barnet is one of London's largest and most diverse boroughs, stretching from the edge of the Green Belt in the north to the more urbanised areas in the south. It is primarily a residential borough, known for its high-quality housing and green spaces, which contributes to its safety score of 81/100. However, its crime profile is influenced by major transport arteries like the M1 and A1, and significant commercial hubs such as Brent Cross Shopping Centre.

The borough's mix of affluent suburban neighbourhoods and denser urban pockets means that crime rates vary locally, but the overall rate of 89.4 per 1,000 is slightly below the UK average. Economic activity is focused around its retail centres and business parks, which can attract opportunistic crime. Barnet's population is a mix of long-term residents and a significant transient population near its major transport links. These factors, combined with its status as a major residential hub for commuters, shape its crime statistics, with a particular emphasis on vehicle crime and residential property offences.

In Barnet, the crime landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 23.1% of all recorded incidents (20.6 per 1,000). Anti-social behaviour is a very close second at 22.8%, followed by vehicle crime at 10.7%. These top three types represent over 56% of total police activity in the borough.

Property-related crime in Barnet—encompassing burglary, robbery, theft from the person, vehicle crime, and shoplifting—is a significant factor, with a rate of 37.5 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. For residents and homeowners, this means that vehicle security and home protection are essential. Vehicle crime is particularly high at 9.5 per 1,000 residents, while burglary accounts for 5.8% of total crime. Shoplifting (7.8%) and other theft (7.0%) further contribute to the property crime total. The combined property crime rate suggests that proactive security measures are a valuable investment for Barnet residents.

Barnet's crime rate has remained remarkably stable over the Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 period, with a minor year-over-year decrease of 1.7%. Monthly data shows that crime levels hovered between 6.5 and 8.4 per 1,000 residents throughout the year. The lowest point was recorded in February 2025 (6.5), while a seasonal peak occurred in July 2025, reaching 8.4 per 1,000.

Following the summer peak, the crime rate remained relatively consistent, ending the year at 7.5 per 1,000 in November 2025. This pattern suggests that while Barnet experiences typical urban fluctuations, there is no evidence of a significant upward trend in criminal activity. The consistent safety score of 81/100 further reinforces the borough's status as a stable metropolitan area with predictable crime patterns.

In the regional context of North London, Barnet (89.4 per 1,000) shows a higher statistical footprint compared to its immediate neighbours in this specific data set. Nearby areas such as Brent, Haringey, Harrow, Hertsmere, Camden, and Enfield all recorded zero crimes during the latest reporting period. This contrast highlights Barnet's position as a major residential and commercial hub, which naturally attracts higher levels of footfall and associated opportunistic crime. While these nearby areas may appear safer statistically, Barnet's safety score of 81/100 remains very strong for a borough of its size and complexity.

With a property crime rate of 37.5 per 1,000 people in Barnet, residents face a higher-than-average risk of theft, vehicle crime, and burglary. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or standard alarm systems, are essentially reactive. They provide evidence after a crime has been committed, which often fails to prevent the initial trauma or financial loss.

The scOS AI-powered operating system represents a shift toward proactive protection. By utilising multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries in real-time, scOS can detect a threat before a criminal reaches your home. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious vehicles, while autonomous responses—such as activating lighting or audio deterrents—can disrupt a criminal's intent within the critical first 60 seconds. For Barnet homeowners, investing in a system that stops crime at the perimeter is the most effective way to protect your property in an urban environment. Prevention is always superior to recording.

How To Keep Safe in Barnet

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Barnet, accounting for 23% of all recorded incidents. In a busy urban borough, taking proactive steps can significantly enhance your personal safety.

1. When walking through the borough's town centres or using public transport late at night, stay in well-lit areas and try to stay where other people are present.
2. Be mindful of your surroundings in high-footfall areas like shopping centres; keep valuables like smartphones and wallets secure and out of sight to prevent opportunistic theft.
3. If you are out in the evening, stick to main roads and avoid shortcuts through unlit parks or isolated footpaths.
4. Consider using personal safety apps that allow you to share your real-time location with trusted contacts when travelling alone.
5. For vehicle owners, ensure your car is parked in a secure or well-lit area, as vehicle crime accounts for over 10% of local incidents and is a significant concern across the borough.