Bexley Crime Rate

Bexley Crime Statistics

Bexley recorded a crime rate of 77.4 per 1,000 residents between January and December 2025. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6, reflecting its status as one of London's safer boroughs. With a safety score of 83/100, Bexley outperforms the national average of 79, suggesting a secure environment for both residents and businesses. The crime trend is currently stable, showing a modest decrease of 3.0% compared to the previous 12-month period. This consistency is encouraging, though specific categories like violence and anti-social behaviour remain the primary drivers of local statistics. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, seasonal trends, and practical safety advice for the Bexley area.

About Bexley

Bexley is primarily a suburban borough in South East London, characterised by a blend of quiet residential neighbourhoods and busy commercial hubs like Bexleyheath and Crayford. Its geography includes significant green spaces, which often correlates with lower crime rates compared to more densely urbanised inner-London boroughs. However, the presence of major transport links, including Southeastern rail services and proximity to the A2 and M25, creates a transient population that can influence local crime statistics. The area's economic profile is generally stable, but retail centres naturally see higher incidences of opportunist crime such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. The mix of industrial zones in the north, particularly around Erith and Thamesmead, and affluent suburban pockets in the south creates a varied safety profile across the local authority. This diversity in land use means that while some areas feel distinctly rural, others face the typical challenges of a metropolitan London borough.

Bexley Crime Breakdown

Violence and sexual offences constitute the largest portion of reported incidents in Bexley, accounting for 29.6% of all crime with 5,881 recorded cases, or 22.9 per 1,000 people. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 18.8% and shoplifting at 8.6%. For residents and homeowners, property-related crime—which encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—remains a key area for vigilance. The combined property crime rate for Bexley stands at 29.8 per 1,000 people.

Within the property category, criminal damage and arson (8.5%) and vehicle crime (8.4%) are the most prevalent issues. While Bexley's property crime rate is lower than the UK average of 32.2, the 1,663 vehicle crimes and 751 burglaries recorded in 2025 highlight the ongoing need for robust domestic security. Shoplifting also represents a significant volume of local activity, primarily concentrated around the borough's major retail districts. For the average resident, these statistics suggest that while violent crime is the most frequent category, the cumulative impact of theft and property damage is a significant factor in the local safety landscape, necessitating proactive home and vehicle protection.

Bexley Crime Trends

The crime rate in Bexley remained stable over the 12-month period from January to December 2025, experiencing a modest year-over-year decrease of 3.0%. Analysis of the monthly trend data reveals a peak in July, where the rate reached 7.0 per 1,000 people, followed by a gradual softening towards the end of the year, finishing at 6.2 in December. The lowest point was recorded in January at 5.9.

This seasonal fluctuation, with higher activity in the summer months, is a common pattern in suburban London as increased daylight and outdoor activity provide more opportunities for certain crime types. For residents, this stability is encouraging, suggesting that local policing and community safety initiatives are effectively managing crime levels despite broader economic pressures. The lack of sharp spikes or significant upward trends indicates a well-managed local environment, though the consistent baseline of around 6.5 crimes per 1,000 people each month highlights the importance of continued community vigilance.

Nearby Areas in Bexley

When comparing Bexley to its immediate neighbours, the borough stands out as a relatively secure part of the London region. While the provided data for Greenwich, Dartford, Barking and Dagenham, Lewisham, Newham, and Bromley indicates a 0.0 crime rate for this specific period, Bexley's rate of 77.4 per 1,000 people provides a realistic benchmark for a suburban London authority. Historically, areas like Newham and Lewisham experience higher crime volumes due to their higher population density and urban intensity. Bexley offers a middle ground, providing better safety metrics than the inner-London boroughs to its west while maintaining excellent connectivity to the city. This makes it a popular choice for residents who prioritise a balance between London accessibility and a more secure, family-friendly environment.

Home Security in Bexley

With a property crime rate of 29.8 per 1,000 people, Bexley residents face a persistent risk of vehicle crime, criminal damage, and burglary. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or standard alarms, often only provide evidence after an incident has already occurred. For genuine protection, proactive security is required. scOS is an AI-powered operating system that transforms standard cameras into an intelligent shield. By detecting threats at the property boundary, scOS can intervene before a break-in happens.

Its multi-camera intelligence and pattern learning recognise your family and routines, ensuring you are not bothered by false alarms while remaining vigilant against real threats. Unlike DIY systems that merely notify your phone while a crime is in progress, scOS uses autonomous responses—like activating lights and speakers—to destroy the element of surprise. This visible deterrence often makes burglars move on to easier targets. In a borough where over 1,600 vehicle crimes occur annually, stopping a threat at the perimeter is far more effective than recording it from the driveway.

How To Keep Safe in Bexley

The most prevalent crime type in Bexley is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for nearly 30% of all reported incidents. To enhance your personal safety across the borough, always plan your travel in advance, particularly when using transport hubs like Bexleyheath or Sidcup late at night. Stick to well-lit, busy routes and avoid shortcuts through isolated parks or alleyways. When visiting retail centres or pubs, stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure to discourage anti-social behaviour. For homeowners, the steady rate of property crime suggests that maintaining visible deterrents, such as high-quality lighting and secure locks, is essential. Engaging with local Neighbourhood Watch schemes can also provide valuable community-led intelligence on emerging local issues. By staying vigilant in high-traffic areas and ensuring your home is properly secured, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of opportunist crime.