Brent Crime Rate

Brent recorded an overall crime rate of 123.3 per 1,000 people during the period from January 2025 to December 2025. This figure sits above the UK average of 91.6, reflecting the borough's status as a busy, high-density London authority. Despite the higher crime rate, Brent maintains a safety score of 74/100, suggesting a resilient community and effective local management. The crime trend is currently stable, with a marginal increase of 0.6% compared to the previous year. This report delves into the specific crime types affecting the area, including a property crime rate of 47.6 per 1,000, and offers guidance on how residents can best protect themselves and their property.

Brent is a diverse and densely populated borough in North West London, characterised by a mix of vibrant residential neighbourhoods, major commercial districts, and significant industrial zones. As home to the iconic Wembley Stadium and the London Designer Outlet, the area attracts a high volume of transient visitors, which can influence local crime statistics, particularly in relation to theft and anti-social behaviour. The borough serves as a major transport hub with extensive Underground and Overground links, facilitating high footfall throughout the day and night. Economic factors vary across the borough, with areas of significant regeneration sitting alongside more established suburban communities. This blend of high-density urban living, major sporting and entertainment venues, and diverse demographics creates a complex environment for local law enforcement. The presence of large retail centres also contributes to the rates of shoplifting and other opportunistic crimes common in major metropolitan areas.

In Brent, the most significant crime types are violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and other theft. Violence and sexual offences lead the statistics with 10,574 reported incidents, representing 24.3% of all crime. Anti-social behaviour follows closely at 23.9% (10,412 crimes), while other theft accounts for 7.3%.

Property-related crime is a substantial concern for the borough, with a combined rate of 47.6 per 1,000 people. This encompasses 1,607 burglaries, 2,934 vehicle crimes, and 3,193 instances of shoplifting, along with robbery and bicycle theft. For residents and homeowners, this means that nearly half of the criminal activity in the area involves the targeting of personal or commercial property. The high volume of vehicle crime and burglary highlights the necessity for robust physical and digital security measures to protect assets in this busy urban environment.

The crime trend in Brent is currently classified as stable, showing a negligible 0.6% increase over the last 12 months. Monthly data for 2025 reveals that crime rates fluctuated between a low of 8.7 in February and a peak of 12.2 in July. The summer months (May through October) consistently showed higher activity, with rates frequently exceeding 11.0 per 1,000 residents. This seasonal pattern is common in London boroughs where warmer weather and major events lead to increased public activity. For residents, this stability suggests that while crime remains a constant urban challenge, there hasn't been a sudden surge in risk, though extra vigilance is recommended during the busier summer period.

In the regional context of North West London, Brent's crime rate of 123.3 per 1,000 people is notably higher than several neighbouring boroughs. In this dataset, Ealing, Harrow, Barnet, Camden, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Kensington and Chelsea are all recorded with significantly lower crime rates. This disparity is often due to Brent's unique role as a major event destination and transport corridor. While these neighbouring areas may offer lower statistical crime volumes, Brent remains a primary focus for regional policing and urban regeneration, balancing its high-activity centres with quieter residential neighbourhoods.

With a property crime rate of 47.6 per 1,000 people, residents in Brent face a tangible risk of burglary, vehicle crime, and theft. In such a high-activity urban environment, traditional security measures often fall short. Standard CCTV cameras and DIY doorbells are reactive; they provide you with footage of a crime after it has already happened, which rarely prevents the loss of property or the violation of your home.

For true protection in Brent, a proactive approach is essential. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that moves beyond simple recording. It uses multi-camera intelligence to watch your property boundaries constantly, identifying potential threats before a break-in occurs. With features like DVLA vehicle verification to spot suspicious cars and autonomous responses that use lights and sound to destroy the element of surprise, scOS is designed to make burglars move on within 60 seconds. In an area where property crime is a significant factor, investing in prevention rather than just evidence is the most effective way to secure your home.

How To Keep Safe in Brent

As violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Brent, personal safety in public spaces is a priority for residents and visitors.

1. Be vigilant when using public transport hubs and walking through high-footfall areas like Wembley, especially during major event days.
2. Stick to well-lit, busy routes when walking at night and avoid taking shortcuts through isolated parks or industrial zones.
3. Keep high-value items, such as smartphones and jewellery, out of sight when in crowded areas to reduce the risk of opportunistic theft.
4. If you frequently travel late at night, consider using licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps and share your journey status with a friend or family member.
5. Report any suspicious behaviour or anti-social activity to the local Safer Neighbourhood Team to help police allocate resources effectively.
6. Ensure your home is clearly visible from the street by keeping hedges trimmed, which reduces cover for potential intruders.