Harrow Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Harrow

Harrow, with a population of 270,724, presents a notable picture regarding crime statistics. The overall crime rate stands at 80.7 per 1,000 people per year, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. This contributes to Harrow's impressive safety score of 82 out of 100, surpassing the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent trends, the area has experienced a stable period, with a modest 4.1% change year-over-year. These figures suggest that Harrow is a comparatively safer area within the UK, offering a reassuring context as we delve deeper into the specific crime types and patterns observed across the district.

Understanding Harrow's Crime Landscape

Harrow is a diverse and predominantly suburban borough in North West London, characterised by a mix of residential areas, significant green spaces, and bustling town centres like Harrow-on-the-Hill and Wealdstone. Its characteristics, including a relatively high population density for a suburban area and a diverse demographic, contribute to the unique profile of its crime statistics. The presence of major transport hubs, including several London Underground stations and bus routes, facilitates connectivity but can also attract transient populations, which may have an influence on certain crime types. While Harrow is largely residential, its commercial centres provide retail opportunities and local employment, and these areas often see elevated levels of certain crimes such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. The overall stability in crime trends could be attributed to a combination of community engagement, local policing efforts, and the inherent character of its well-established neighbourhoods.

Detailed Analysis of Crime Types in Harrow

A closer look at crime in Harrow reveals that violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 5,508 crimes, or 25.2% of the total, equating to 20.4 incidents per 1,000 residents. Following this, anti-social behaviour is a prominent concern, with 5,148 reported incidents, making up 23.6% of all crimes at a rate of 19.0 per 1,000 people. Vehicle crime ranks as the third most frequent offence, with 1,844 incidents, representing 8.4% of the total and a rate of 6.8 per 1,000.

Beyond these top three, property-related crime is a broad category that significantly impacts residents and homeowners. Harrow's property crime rate stands at 33.6 per 1,000 people per year, slightly above the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This encompasses a range of offences including burglary (1,121 crimes, 4.1 per 1,000), theft from the person (1,269 crimes, 4.7 per 1,000), other theft (1,486 crimes, 5.5 per 1,000), shoplifting (1,678 crimes, 6.2 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (1,008 crimes, 3.7 per 1,000), robbery (573 crimes, 2.1 per 1,000), and bicycle theft (104 crimes, 0.4 per 1,000). While individual rates may vary, the collective figure highlights the importance of securing personal belongings and properties. For homeowners, understanding these figures underscores the need for robust security measures to protect against common property-related offences.

Analysing Crime Trends in Harrow

Harrow has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a reported 4.1% change year-over-year in total crimes. This indicates a consistent level of safety within the borough rather than a significant increase or decrease. Examining the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents provides further insight into these patterns. The crime rate saw lower figures in the early months of 2025, with January recording 6.0 and February 5.9 per 1,000, suggesting a period of reduced activity. However, a gradual increase was observed through spring and early summer, reaching 7.0 in May, 7.2 in June, and 7.4 in July, aligning with typical seasonal rises often seen during warmer months when outdoor activities increase. The rate then saw a slight dip towards the end of the period, with 6.9 in August and 6.7 in September. For residents, this stable trend suggests that while crime remains a factor, there haven't been drastic shifts that would significantly alter the overall safety perception of the area. It reinforces the importance of consistent vigilance and awareness of local patterns.

Harrow's Crime in a Regional Context

To fully appreciate Harrow's crime statistics, it is helpful to compare them with those of nearby areas. Harrow's overall crime rate of 80.7 per 1,000 and safety score of 82 out of 100 position it favourably against many of its neighbours. When considering areas such as Brent, Ealing, Barnet, and Hillingdon, Harrow generally maintains a strong standing in terms of safety. These neighbouring London boroughs, while sharing some characteristics, often present varying crime profiles due to differences in urbanisation, commercial activity, and population density. Furthermore, comparing Harrow with areas just outside London, like Watford and Three Rivers, provides a broader regional context. While these areas might have different crime dynamics, Harrow's consistent safety score suggests that it holds its own as a relatively secure location within the wider South East region. This regional comparison helps residents and prospective movers understand Harrow's position within the local crime landscape, offering reassurance about its overall safety profile.

Enhancing Your Security in Harrow

Given Harrow's property crime rate of 33.6 per 1,000 people, securing your home and belongings is a key consideration for residents. While traditional security measures often focus on recording incidents after they happen, a proactive approach to prevention is far more effective. Modern AI-powered home security systems, like scOS, offer a significant advancement in this regard. Instead of merely providing footage of a burglary, scOS is designed to prevent crime before it even occurs, by detecting threats at your property boundary.

Think about the limitation of reactive security; a Ring or Nest camera, while useful for recording, primarily provides evidence after a break-in. In contrast, scOS changes the game by using multi-camera intelligence to watch all areas simultaneously, identifying real threats and learning your daily routines to avoid false alarms. Professional-grade equipment sends a clear signal to potential intruders that your property is seriously protected, often making them decide to move on within the critical 60-second window they use to assess a target. This proactive deterrence, activating lights and engaging speakers autonomously, destroys the element of surprise for criminals, offering a level of prevention that goes beyond simply documenting a crime. For comprehensive property protection in Harrow, consider security solutions that actively intervene to stop threats, rather than just record them.