Greenwich Crime Rate

Greenwich presents a complex urban safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 115.1 per 1,000 people. This figure is notably higher than the UK national average of 91.7, reflecting the borough's high population density and its status as a major tourism and commercial hub. Despite this, Greenwich maintains a safety score of 74/100, indicating a level of security that is respectable for a London borough. Recent data shows that the crime trend is stable, with a negligible 0.8% increase year-over-year. This consistency suggests that while crime remains a factor of urban life in Greenwich, it is not currently on a significant upward trajectory. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of crime types and comparative data to help residents understand the local safety landscape.

Greenwich is a major London borough with a rich history and a complex, urban-suburban environment that influences its crime statistics. The area is a significant tourism hub, home to the World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich and the O2 Arena, which attract millions of visitors annually. This high volume of transient population, combined with major transport interchanges and bustling retail centres, contributes to opportunistic and theft-related offences. The borough features a mix of high-density riverside developments, traditional residential neighbourhoods, and large green spaces like Greenwich Park. Major employers in the education, maritime, and creative sectors drive a busy daytime economy, while the vibrant nightlife in Greenwich Town Centre and North Greenwich adds another layer of activity. These factors, alongside significant population density and socio-economic diversity, shape the local safety profile. The borough's connectivity to Central London and neighbouring boroughs also facilitates movement that can impact rates of vehicle-related and personal crime. Understanding these dynamics is essential for interpreting the overall crime rate and safety score of Greenwich.

In Greenwich, the criminal landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 9,926 incidents or 28.8% of the total recorded crime. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 19.5% and 'other theft' at 7.5%. These figures highlight that personal safety and the security of belongings in public spaces are the most significant concerns for those living and working in the borough.

Property crime in Greenwich, which includes burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage, arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, has a combined rate of 43.7 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the UK average, reflecting the borough's urban nature. Within this category, 'other theft' and shoplifting are the most prevalent, each making up 7.5% of total crime, followed closely by vehicle crime at 7.1%. Burglary accounts for 4.3% of the total. For residents and homeowners, this means that protecting assets—particularly in commercial zones and residential properties—is a critical priority. The high volume of theft-related offences suggests that opportunistic criminals are active across the borough's diverse urban landscape.

The crime trend in Greenwich is currently stable, with a minor 0.8% increase in total crimes year-over-year. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals a consistent level of activity, with the crime rate peaking in July 2025 at 10.8 per 1,000 and August at 10.4. Other high-activity months included May and June, both recording rates of 10.2 or above. The lowest activity was recorded in February 2025 (8.4) and January (8.6). This steady pattern, with only minor fluctuations throughout the year, suggests that Greenwich's safety environment is predictable and not currently experiencing any major shifts in criminal behaviour. This stability allows residents and local authorities to better target long-term security improvements.

In the regional context of South East London, Greenwich is a major urban hub with a crime rate of 115.1 per 1,000 people. This makes it a slightly safer environment than its immediate neighbour, Lewisham, which recorded a higher rate of 119.5. While nearby areas like Bexley, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Southwark, and Bromley all recorded 0.0 crimes in this specific comparative dataset, Greenwich stands out as a focal point for regional activity and tourism. This suggests that for those considering the area, Greenwich offers a bustling, urban experience with a corresponding level of criminal activity that is typical of a major London borough. Understanding this regional context is vital for assessing the relative safety of the area.

Greenwich's property crime rate of 43.7 per 1,000 people is a clear indicator that proactive home security is a necessity for residents. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY cameras, are often reactive—they record footage of a crime as it happens or after it has concluded. For homeowners in a high-activity area like Greenwich, a more effective approach is to prevent the crime from occurring in the first place.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that offers proactive protection. By monitoring your property boundaries in real-time, scOS can identify potential threats—such as someone loitering near your vehicle or testing your windows—before they escalate. With autonomous responses like activating lights and audio warnings, scOS destroys the element of surprise that most burglars and car thieves rely on. This is especially valuable in Greenwich, where theft and vehicle crime are significant issues. Professional-grade AI security provides a visible deterrent that encourages opportunistic criminals to move on to less protected properties, ensuring your home remains secure.

How To Keep Safe in Greenwich

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crime types across the Greenwich local authority area. To enhance your personal safety and contribute to a more secure community, consider the following advice:

1. When travelling through the borough, particularly at night, stick to well-lit main roads and use busy public transport hubs. Avoid shortcuts through unlit parks or alleyways.
2. Be mindful of your surroundings in busy commercial areas and tourist spots. Keep personal belongings secure and out of sight to deter opportunistic theft and anti-social behaviour.
3. Secure your vehicle every time you leave it. Given Greenwich's rate of vehicle crime, parking in a garage or a well-lit, monitored area is highly recommended.
4. Reinforce your home security with high-quality locks and consider an AI-powered security system. Proactive detection is key to preventing residential burglary and property damage.
5. Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local authorities immediately. Community vigilance is essential for maintaining safety standards in a high-density urban environment.