Hammersmith and Fulham Crime Rate

Hammersmith and Fulham is a vibrant London borough with a complex safety profile. The area currently has an overall crime rate of 142.6 per 1,000 people, which is considerably higher than the UK average of 91.7. This activity results in a safety score of 70/100, placing it below the national average for safety. However, recent data indicates the situation is stable, with a slight 2.8% decrease in year-over-year crime. As a major commercial and transport hub, the borough's statistics are influenced by high daily footfall and significant retail activity. This report breaks down the specific crime types and trends to help residents and visitors navigate the area with a clear understanding of the local security landscape.

About Hammersmith and Fulham

Hammersmith and Fulham is a densely populated and economically diverse London borough, a factor that significantly influences its crime statistics. The area is a major commercial hub, housing the Westfield London shopping centre, the BBC, and numerous corporate headquarters, which attracts a high volume of transient visitors and commuters daily. This influx of people can lead to higher rates of opportunistic crimes like shoplifting and theft.

The borough also boasts a vibrant nightlife and three major professional football clubs—Chelsea, Fulham, and Queens Park Rangers. Match days and weekend evenings see a surge in footfall around stadiums and transport hubs like Hammersmith Broadway, which can correlate with increases in anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Furthermore, the borough is bisected by major transport arteries like the A4, and its proximity to central London makes it a high-activity zone 24/7. These urban characteristics, combined with areas of significant social contrast, create a complex environment where high-density residential streets sit alongside bustling commercial districts, directly impacting the local crime rate and safety profile.

Crime in Hammersmith and Fulham

Hammersmith and Fulham faces the challenges typical of a busy London borough, with a crime breakdown led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 24.1% of all incidents (34.3 per 1,000 people). Anti-social behaviour follows closely at 22.0%, while "other theft" makes up 8.7% of the total. These three categories reflect the high-density, high-activity nature of the area, where personal safety and public order are primary concerns for the Metropolitan Police.

Property crime is a significant factor in the borough, with a combined rate of 59.1 per 1,000 people—well above the UK average of 32.3. This category includes burglary (4.5%), vehicle crime (6.8%), and shoplifting (8.4%). The shoplifting rate is particularly high at 11.9 per 1,000, likely driven by the borough's major retail centres. For residents and business owners, this high property crime rate highlights a persistent risk of theft and burglary. While violent crime often dominates headlines, the sheer volume of property-related offences means that homeowners are statistically more likely to be affected by vehicle crime or burglary than in many other parts of the country, necessitating robust security measures.

Crime Trends in Hammersmith and Fulham

The crime trend in Hammersmith and Fulham is currently classified as stable, with a modest 2.8% decrease in total offences over the last 12 months. This suggests that while the borough remains a high-crime area by national standards, the situation is not escalating. Monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows a relatively consistent level of activity, with rates per 1,000 people ranging from a low of 10.5 in February to peaks of 12.9 in May and July.

This stability is a positive indicator for the borough's long-term safety strategy. The consistency in the monthly figures suggests that crime is driven by the area's permanent characteristics—such as its retail centres and transport links—rather than sudden seasonal spikes. For residents, this means that the risks are predictable and can be managed with consistent security habits. While the slight downward trend is encouraging, the high baseline rate of 142.6 per 1,000 means that vigilance remains a daily necessity for those living and working in Hammersmith and Fulham.

In a regional context, Hammersmith and Fulham’s crime rate of 142.6 per 1,000 people appears high when compared to the 0.0 rates reported for similar nearby areas such as Kensington and Chelsea, Wandsworth, Westminster, Richmond upon Thames, Camden, and Lambeth. While these zero-rated figures may reflect specific data reporting periods or administrative boundaries, they highlight Hammersmith and Fulham as a focal point for recorded activity in West London. For those looking to live or work in the area, it is important to understand that Hammersmith serves as a major gateway and commercial centre, which naturally attracts higher levels of reported incidents than its more purely residential neighbours. Comparison with these areas suggests that Hammersmith and Fulham is a higher-activity zone within the local regional cluster.

With a property crime rate of 59.1 per 1,000 people, Hammersmith and Fulham residents face a significantly higher risk of burglary and theft than the average UK homeowner. In such a high-activity urban environment, traditional security measures often fall short. Standard CCTV cameras and doorbell systems are reactive; they provide footage of a crime after it has been committed, which rarely prevents the loss of property or the violation of privacy.

To truly secure a property in this borough, a proactive approach is essential. scOS offers an AI-powered home security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries, scOS can distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder. When a threat is detected, the system can autonomously engage deterrents like high-intensity lighting or audible warnings. This "element of surprise" is often enough to make a burglar move on to an easier target. For residents in Hammersmith and Fulham, scOS provides the professional-grade protection needed to counter local crime statistics effectively.

How To Keep Safe in Hammersmith and Fulham

The most prevalent crime type in Hammersmith and Fulham is violence and sexual offences, which often occur in high-footfall areas and near nightlife hubs. To stay safe, it is recommended to stay alert and stick to well-lit, busy streets, especially when walking late at night.

When using public transport hubs like Hammersmith Broadway or Shepherd's Bush, keep your valuables secure and out of sight to prevent opportunistic theft. If you are visiting the borough's many pubs or restaurants, never leave bags or phones unattended on tables or the backs of chairs.

On match days at Chelsea, Fulham, or QPR, be aware that crowds can lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour; planning your travel to avoid peak congestion can reduce your risk. For homeowners, the high rate of property crime means that investing in robust window locks and a proactive security system is a vital step in protecting your residence. Reporting any suspicious activity to the Metropolitan Police promptly helps maintain community safety for everyone.