Harrow Crime Rate

Harrow is a relatively safe local authority area with a safety score of 82/100, which is above the UK average of 79/100. The overall crime rate stands at 80.4 per 1,000 people, notably lower than the national average of 91.6. Recent data indicates that the crime trend in Harrow is stable, with a minor 0.7% increase year-over-year. This consistency, combined with crime rates that are lower than many other parts of London, highlights the borough as a secure residential and commercial area. While violence and anti-social behaviour are the most frequently recorded categories, the following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of local crime statistics and offers practical advice for residents to enhance their personal and property safety.

About Harrow

Harrow is a large local authority area in Northwest London, known for its diverse population, historic school, and mix of suburban residential neighbourhoods and busy commercial centres. As a major London borough, its crime statistics are influenced by its dense urban layout, significant retail hubs like Harrow-on-the-Hill, and its role as a key transport link for commuters. The area features a variety of environments, from quiet residential streets to bustling high streets, which contributes to its unique crime profile.

The borough's demographics and high population density naturally influence the volume of anti-social behaviour and public order reports. As a significant retail destination, shoplifting and opportunistic theft are also factors in the overall crime figures. Furthermore, the transient population of commuters and shoppers coming into the borough can impact per-capita crime statistics. Understanding these suburban and urban dynamics is essential to interpreting the safety score and crime rates for Harrow, which generally remains one of the safer London boroughs.

Crime in Harrow

Harrow experiences a crime rate of 80.4 per 1,000 residents, which is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6. The most frequent crime category is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 25.0% of all reported incidents. This is followed closely by anti-social behaviour at 24.5% and vehicle crime at 8.2%. Shoplifting also features significantly, representing 7.2% of the total.

Property-related crime in Harrow, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 32.3 per 1,000 people, almost identical to the UK average of 32.2. Specifically, vehicle crime and shoplifting are the most prominent property concerns. Burglary and theft from the person each account for approximately 5.2% of total crime. For residents and homeowners, this means that while Harrow is safer than many other London boroughs, property security remains a key priority. The combined rates of various theft types and criminal damage suggest that homes and vehicles require consistent protection to mitigate the risk of opportunistic crime.

Crime Trends in Harrow

The crime trend in Harrow is currently described as stable, with a minor year-over-year increase of 0.7%. This suggests that crime levels are holding steady. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows some fluctuations throughout the year. The crime rate peaked in October at 7.5 per 1,000 people, followed closely by July at 7.4. These peaks are often associated with seasonal changes and increased public activity.

The lowest crime rates were recorded at the beginning of the year, with February seeing the lowest rate of 5.9 per 1,000, and January at 6.0. From March onwards, the rate remained consistently between 6.2 and 7.5 per 1,000, reflecting the borough's busy nature. The fact that the trend is stable despite these fluctuations is a positive sign that long-term safety is not deteriorating. However, the consistent monthly figures mean that residents should maintain a steady level of vigilance and property protection throughout the year.

Comparing Harrow to its neighbouring London boroughs and districts reveals its position as a significant urban centre. While some adjacent areas like Brent, Ealing, Barnet, and Hillingdon show remarkably lower crime rates in this specific comparison, Harrow's rate of 80.4 per 1,000 remains well below the national average. This reflects its dual nature as both a busy commercial hub and a popular suburban residential area. For those considering the region, Harrow offers a safer-than-average environment for a major urban borough, though it requires a higher level of safety awareness than the more rural parts of the surrounding Home Counties.

With a property crime rate of 32.3 per 1,000, Harrow residents face a risk of burglary, theft, and vehicle crime that is typical for the UK. In this busy suburban environment, traditional security measures often fall short because they are reactive. A standard alarm or camera system only alerts you or records footage after an intruder has already breached your property's perimeter.

scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your home's boundaries 24/7. It is designed to prevent crime before it happens. By identifying potential threats in real-time and distinguishing them from normal activity, scOS can trigger autonomous responses such as activating high-intensity lighting or audio alerts. This immediate intervention can disrupt a criminal's plan before they even reach your door. For Harrow homeowners, the visible deterrence of a professional-grade system like scOS is a powerful tool in protecting assets and ensuring peace of mind in a busy London borough.

How To Keep Safe in Harrow

The most prevalent crime type in Harrow is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 25% of all reported incidents, followed closely by anti-social behaviour. Personal safety in a busy urban area is a key priority.

1. When moving around the borough, especially in the evenings, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through isolated parks or poorly lit alleyways.
2. Be particularly vigilant near major transport hubs and shopping centres, where opportunistic theft and anti-social behaviour are more likely to occur.
3. Ensure your home is as secure as possible by using high-quality deadlocks on all external doors and keeping windows locked when you are not in the room.
4. Do not leave any valuables in your vehicle. In a busy area like Harrow, even small items left on display can attract opportunistic thieves.
5. Be mindful of your personal belongings in crowded areas to prevent opportunistic theft from the person, which accounts for over 5% of local crime.
6. Engage with local community policing teams and neighbourhood watch schemes to stay informed about safety initiatives and any specific crime trends in your local neighbourhood.