Bexley Crime Rate

Bexley maintains a high safety profile with an overall crime rate of 76.7 per 1,000 residents, which is comfortably below the UK average of 91.7. The borough boasts a safety score of 83/100, placing it well above the national average for security. Recent data indicates that the crime environment is stable, showing a 4.8% decrease in total offences year-over-year. As a predominantly suburban and residential part of South East London, Bexley faces fewer criminal challenges than many of its more central neighbours, though it still experiences issues typical of urban areas, such as anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. This report examines the statistics from December 2024 to November 2025 to provide a detailed understanding of the local safety landscape.

Bexley is a London borough in the south-east of the capital, characterised by its suburban feel, extensive green spaces, and high proportion of owner-occupied housing. It is often cited as one of the safer boroughs in London, which is reflected in its crime statistics. The area is primarily residential, with major commercial centres in Bexleyheath, Erith, and Sidcup. Its location on the border of Kent means it serves as a popular commuter hub, with good transport links into central London. The borough's safety profile is influenced by its family-oriented demographics and a lower population density compared to inner London boroughs. However, the presence of major retail parks and a busy high street in Bexleyheath contributes to the reporting of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, which are among the district's top crime concerns.

In Bexley, the most frequently reported crimes are violence and sexual offences, which account for 29.6% of all incidents (22.7 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common, representing 18.8% of the total, followed by shoplifting at 8.7%. Vehicle crime also makes up a significant portion of local crime at 8.5%.

Property-related crime in Bexley is relatively low for a London borough, with a combined rate of 29.9 per 1,000 people. This total includes burglary (3.9% of total crime), vehicle crime (8.5%), and criminal damage and arson (8.4%). For homeowners, the data suggests that while the overall crime rate is lower than the national average, the risk of vehicle-related offences and criminal damage remains a priority. The prevalence of shoplifting indicates a significant level of business-related crime in the borough's commercial districts. Overall, the statistics highlight that while Bexley is a secure area, residents should still employ effective security measures to protect their homes and vehicles against opportunistic property crime.

The crime trend in Bexley is currently stable, with a 4.8% decrease in total offences over the past 12 months. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals a remarkably consistent pattern. Crime rates were at their lowest in December 2024 (5.6 per 1,000 residents) and January 2025 (5.9 per 1,000). The rate peaked slightly in the summer, reaching a high of 7.0 in July 2025. This minor seasonal fluctuation is common and often linked to increased outdoor activity and public footfall. Overall, the data suggests that crime levels in Bexley are being maintained at a consistently low level, with no major surges in criminal activity throughout the year, providing a predictable and secure environment for its residents.

When compared to the surrounding South East London and North Kent region, Bexley's crime rate of 76.7 per 1,000 residents highlights its position as one of the safer local authorities. Nearby areas such as Greenwich, Dartford, Barking and Dagenham, Lewisham, Newham, and Bromley all have reporting lags showing 0.0 in the current data period. Historically, Bexley consistently records lower crime volumes than many of these neighbouring districts, particularly those closer to central London. For those living or working in the region, Bexley offers a safety profile that is very favourable, combining the benefits of London living with a level of security that is typical of a more suburban or semi-rural county.

With a property crime rate of 29.9 per 1,000 residents, Bexley is statistically safer than many parts of London, but the risk of burglary, vehicle crime, and criminal damage remains a reality for homeowners. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or DIY alarms, are often reactive—they provide evidence after the damage has been done. In a suburban area like Bexley, where properties often have larger boundaries, reactive recording is rarely enough to prevent loss.

scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time. It can distinguish between residents, delivery drivers, and genuine threats, triggering autonomous responses like high-intensity lighting and audible warnings to deter criminals before they can act. For Bexley residents, moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to secure their homes and vehicles against the local prevalence of property-related offences. By stopping threats at the perimeter, scOS provides a level of security that traditional systems simply cannot match, ensuring your home remains a safe and secure environment.

How To Keep Safe in Bexley

The most common crime type in Bexley is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for nearly 30% of local incidents. To enhance your personal safety in this suburban borough, consider the following practical steps:

1. Be vigilant when visiting busy shopping areas like Bexleyheath high street, and keep your personal belongings secure to prevent opportunistic theft or shoplifting-related incidents.
2. Stick to well-lit, busy streets when walking at night, especially near transport hubs and entertainment venues.
3. If you are a car owner, use additional security measures such as steering wheel locks or Faraday pouches for keyless entry fobs to protect against the local rate of vehicle crime.
4. When using public transport for late-night travel, plan your journey in advance and try to stay with other people in well-lit areas.
5. Consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about crime trends in your specific part of the borough and to share safety tips with your neighbours.