City and County of the City of London Crime Rate

City and County of the City of London Crime Statistics

The City and County of the City of London has a unique crime profile with an overall crime rate of 1174.4 per 1,000 residents. This figure is extremely high compared to the UK average of 93.1, resulting in a safety score of 0/100. However, it is important to contextualise these numbers: the area has a very small residential population of 8,689, but a massive daytime population of over 500,000 workers and tourists. This disparity significantly inflates the per-resident crime rate. Recent data shows a positive trend, with crime decreasing by 7.9% year-over-year. The property crime rate is also exceptionally high at 818.5 per 1,000 residents, reflecting the high volume of commercial and retail activity in the heart of the Square Mile.

Crime in City and County of the City of London

In the City and County of the City of London, 'other theft' is the most common crime type, representing 22.4% of all reports. This is followed by shoplifting at 16.5% and violence and sexual offences at 16.3%. The property crime rate is exceptionally high at 818.5 per 1,000 residents, which is nearly 25 times the UK average of 32.9. This extreme figure is due to the massive daytime population of workers and tourists compared to the very small residential population. For residents and business owners, this means that the area is a major hotspot for theft and shoplifting. Protecting properties and personal belongings is a critical priority in this high-activity urban environment.

City and County of the City of London Crime Trends

The crime trend in the City is positive, with a 7.9% decrease in total reported incidents over the last year. Monthly data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated between a low of 85.5 in January to a peak of 110.9 in November. Other notable peaks occurred in August (105.2) and October (104.4). This overall downward trajectory is a strong indicator of effective policing and security measures in the City. Seasonal variations are present, with higher activity often coinciding with peak business and tourism periods. For residents and businesses, this means the area is becoming increasingly secure over time.

How To Keep Safe in City and County of the City of London

The most common crime in the City is 'other theft', which includes opportunistic crimes in public places. To stay safe in this high-activity area:

1. Be extremely vigilant with your personal belongings, especially in busy areas, cafes, and on public transport.
2. Avoid using your phone or other high-value electronics openly in crowded places to prevent 'snatch' thefts.
3. Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the City of London Police immediately.
4. If you are a business owner, invest in high-quality, proactive security systems to deter shoplifting and burglary.
5. When out in the evening, stick to well-lit, busy routes and be aware of your surroundings, as violence and sexual offences are also a significant category.

Crime Timing in City and County of the City of London

Crime in the City follows a pattern that reflects its role as a global business and retail hub. Morning and afternoon hours are dominated by theft-related offences (80-84%), which are extremely high during peak business and shopping hours. As the day transitions into the evening, the nature of crime remains heavily theft-focused (64%), but with an increasing percentage of 'other' offences. Night-time (12am - 6am) is the peak period for burglary, which accounts for 21% of incidents during this window, and vehicle crime also reaches its peak at 9%. This timing suggests that while daytime crime is largely opportunistic and retail-focused, night-time crime targets properties and vehicles when the City is less populated. Overall incident volumes remain extremely high throughout the day.

Regional Context

In the regional context, the City and County of the City of London is an extreme outlier. Its crime rate of 1174.4 is far higher than neighbouring boroughs like Islington (185.8), Southwark (149.8), Tower Hamlets (134.1), and Hackney (145.8). This is typical for a global financial hub with an extremely high density of high-value targets and a massive transient population. While the statistics appear alarming, they reflect the intense urban activity of the area rather than the risk to a typical resident in a residential suburb. It is the most active urban centre in the UK.

Protecting Your Property in City and County of the City of London

The City and County of the City of London has an exceptionally high property crime rate of 818.5 per 1,000 residents, making property security a top priority for both residents and business owners. Traditional security systems often rely on recording a crime as it happens, which is far from ideal in such a high-activity environment. For true peace of mind in the heart of the Square Mile, a proactive approach is essential. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system designed to prevent crime before it occurs. By monitoring your property boundaries with intelligent sensors and multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify potential threats and intervene autonomously. Whether it's triggering lights, audio warnings, or instant alerts, the system is designed to deter intruders and shoplifters before they can cause damage or loss. This proactive stance is especially effective in high-density urban areas. By choosing prevention over recording, you can ensure that your property remains secure in one of the world's busiest financial centres.