Bromley Crime Rate

Bromley is widely regarded as one of the safest and most attractive London boroughs, boasting a safety score of 81/100. Its overall crime rate stands at 88.1 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average of 91.6. The local crime trend is currently stable, with a minor 0.2% decrease recorded over the last year. Covering the period from Jan 2025 to Dec 2025, the data reveals that while Bromley is a secure place to live, it experiences a higher volume of property-related offences, particularly vehicle crime, than the national average. This analysis provides Bromley residents with a detailed look at local crime types, trends, and practical advice on how to maintain their personal and property security in this diverse and popular borough.

About Bromley

Bromley is the largest London borough by area, offering a unique blend of suburban residential neighbourhoods, bustling commercial hubs, and extensive green belt land. Its crime statistics are influenced by this diverse landscape. The northern parts of the borough, closer to inner London, tend to be more densely populated and urbanized, featuring major retail centres like Bromley town centre and Orpington. These areas naturally experience higher levels of opportunistic crime, such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, due to the high volume of visitors and commercial activity.

In contrast, the southern and eastern parts of the borough are more semi-rural and affluent, with lower population densities. These areas often see lower overall crime rates but can be targeted for specific types of property crime, such as burglary and vehicle theft. Bromley's status as a major transport hub, with numerous railway stations serving commuters into central London, also plays a role in its crime profile, particularly regarding vehicle-related offences in station car parks. The borough's demographics, which include a high proportion of families and retirees, contribute to its reputation as one of the safer London boroughs, with a strong community focus that supports local safety initiatives and neighbourhood watch schemes.

Crime in Bromley

In Bromley, the criminal landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 7,576 recorded incidents, representing 25.6% of all local crime. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 18.9% (5,592 crimes) and vehicle crime at 11.3% (3,328 crimes). These three categories together represent the majority of police activity in the borough, suggesting that interpersonal issues and community nuisances are the most prevalent concerns.

Property-related crime in Bromley—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and various forms of theft—occurs at a rate of 38.5 per 1,000 residents. This is higher than the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, vehicle crime is the most significant concern (9.9 per 1,000), followed by shoplifting (8.5 per 1,000) and criminal damage (6.5 per 1,000). Burglary is also a notable issue, with 1,313 incidents recorded at a rate of 3.9 per 1,000 people. For homeowners and residents, these statistics indicate a persistent risk of property-related offences, particularly those targeting vehicles and commercial premises. The relatively high rate of vehicle crime suggests that car security should be a top priority. Overall, while Bromley is one of the safer London boroughs with a score of 81/100, the elevated property crime rate highlights the need for robust home and vehicle security.

Bromley's crime trend is currently stable, with a minor year-over-year decrease of 0.2%. Throughout 2025, the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents remained remarkably consistent, starting at 7.1 in January and fluctuating within a narrow range. Activity peaked slightly in July, reaching 8.3 per 1,000, which is typical for the summer months when public activity is higher. The latter half of the year saw rates settle back to around 7.2, ending with 7.0 in December. This level of stability is a very positive indicator for the borough, suggesting that the safety landscape is predictable and not experiencing any significant or rapid shifts in criminal activity. For residents, this provides peace of mind, as Bromley continues to maintain its reputation as one of the more secure and stable parts of the London metropolitan area.

In the context of South East London, Bromley stands out as a beacon of safety. While its crime rate of 88.1 per 1,000 is typical for a large, diverse borough, it is significantly safer than neighbouring Croydon, Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, and Lambeth. For residents and prospective movers, Bromley represents one of the most secure residential choices in the London metropolitan area. This regional context confirms Bromley's reputation as a stable and low-risk borough, offering a much more peaceful environment than the higher-intensity urban centres to its north and west. Along with Bexley, Bromley continues to be a top choice for those seeking a safe, suburban lifestyle within reach of the city.

With a property crime rate of 38.5 per 1,000, Bromley residents should consider a more advanced approach to security than traditional reactive systems. While standard DIY cameras provide footage of a crime as it happens, they often do little to prevent the initial incident. In a borough like Bromley, where vehicle crime is the third most common offence (9.9 per 1,000), a proactive system like scOS is far more effective. scOS uses AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter in real-time. It can distinguish between routine suburban movement and a genuine threat, such as someone loitering near your home or vehicle. When a threat is identified, the system can autonomously activate deterrents like security lights or audio warnings. This immediate response is designed to stop a crime before it begins, which is a crucial advantage in an area with elevated property and vehicle crime. For Bromley homeowners, professional-grade proactive security provides a significant layer of protection, ensuring your home remains a hard target and helping to maintain the borough's overall safety.

How To Keep Safe in Bromley

The most common crime type in Bromley is violence and sexual offences. While the borough is generally safe, taking proactive steps for personal security is recommended in its busy town centres and transport hubs.

1. When out at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid unlit shortcuts through parks or backstreets, especially near major transit hubs.
2. Given the high rate of vehicle crime (9.9 per 1,000), always ensure your car is locked and that no valuables are left on display. If possible, park in a garage or a well-lit driveway.
3. Be vigilant in crowded public spaces, such as Bromley town centre, to protect yourself from theft from the person and opportunistic theft.
4. Use motion-activated lighting around the perimeter of your home. This is a powerful deterrent against opportunistic burglars and individuals engaged in anti-social behaviour.
5. Stay informed about local safety issues by joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or following the Metropolitan Police's local social media updates for the Bromley area.