Harrow Crime Rate

Harrow is one of London's safest boroughs, with an overall crime rate of 80.5 per 1,000 people. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.7 and the broader London average. Consequently, Harrow achieves an impressive safety score of 82/100, exceeding the national benchmark of 79/100. The crime trend in the area is currently stable, showing a negligible increase of just 0.9% over the past year. This consistency reinforces Harrow's reputation as a secure and desirable place to live. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of local crime statistics, monthly trends, and regional comparisons to help residents maintain their safety and protect their property.

Harrow is a primarily residential borough in North West London, known for its diverse population and high-quality schools. It is home to the famous Harrow School and features a mix of suburban housing, green spaces, and busy commercial centres like Harrow-on-the-Hill. The area's demographics are largely settled, with many families attracted by its reputation for safety and amenities. However, its position within the Greater London area means it is influenced by metropolitan trends, including transport links like the Metropolitan Line which bring a transient population through its hubs. These factors, combined with its relative affluence, can influence local crime statistics, particularly in relation to property and vehicle-related offences. Understanding this suburban context is essential for interpreting Harrow's crime data.

In Harrow, the most common crime types are violence and sexual offences (25.4%), anti-social behaviour (24.0%), and vehicle crime (8.2%). These top three categories account for over half of all reported incidents in the borough. Property-related crime is a significant factor for residents, with a combined rate of 32.5 per 1,000 people. This includes 1,792 vehicle crimes and 1,158 burglaries, alongside a notable number of shoplifting and 'other theft' offences. For homeowners in Harrow, the relatively high frequency of vehicle crime and burglary compared to other types suggests that securing cars and properties is a primary concern. Despite being one of London's safer boroughs, the data indicates that opportunistic property crime remains a persistent issue that residents should address through proactive security measures.

The crime trend in Harrow is remarkably stable, with a year-over-year change of only 0.9%. Monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows that crime rates remained consistently low throughout the year. The lowest rate was recorded in February 2025 at 5.9 per 1,000 people. There was a slight seasonal increase during the summer months, peaking in July 2025 at 7.4, before returning to lower levels in the autumn. A brief spike was noted in October 2025 at 7.5, but the year ended with a rate of 6.9 in November. This pattern of stability suggests that Harrow's safety environment is well-managed and that residents can expect a consistent level of security in the borough.

Harrow sits in a relatively safe pocket of North West London. When compared to its neighbours, it often emerges as the safer choice for residents. Nearby boroughs like Brent and Ealing typically report higher crime rates, as do Barnet and Hillingdon. Even when compared to Hertfordshire neighbours like Watford and Three Rivers, Harrow's safety score of 82/100 remains highly competitive. This regional context highlights Harrow as a preferred location for those seeking a secure suburban environment while remaining close to the capital's central hubs. For residents, this means that while vigilance is always necessary, the overall risk level is lower than in much of the surrounding region.

In a desirable residential area like Harrow, property and vehicle crimes are often the most concerning issues for homeowners. With a property crime rate of 32.5 per 1,000 people, the risk of burglary or car theft is real, even in a safe borough. Standard security systems, like Ring or Nest, are often reactive; they might alert you that someone is at your door, but they rarely prevent a determined criminal from acting. Proactive protection is the key to maintaining Harrow's high safety standards at a household level. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that goes beyond simple recording. It uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your entire property boundary, identifying potential threats before they reach your door. If an intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger lights and speakers, removing the element of surprise and deterring the criminal instantly. For Harrow residents, this proactive approach offers peace of mind that their homes are actively defended, not just watched.

How To Keep Safe in Harrow

While Harrow is statistically safe, violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour are the most common reports. Residents should stay aware of their surroundings, particularly when walking near transport hubs like Harrow-on-the-Hill or Harrow & Wealdstone stations. It is always best to stick to well-lit routes and avoid isolated areas after dark.

To enhance your safety across the Harrow local authority area:

1. Be vigilant with your vehicle; Harrow has a notable vehicle crime rate, so always double-check locks and never leave valuables on display.
2. Join local community safety groups or 'SNT' (Sector Neighbourhood Team) meetings to stay informed about hyper-local issues.
3. Use well-populated routes when walking home from the station, and consider carrying a personal safety alarm for added peace of mind.
4. Secure your home's perimeter; even in safe areas, opportunistic burglars look for easy access points like side gates or unlocked windows.
5. If you witness anti-social behaviour, report it via the non-emergency 101 number to ensure police have accurate data on local hotspots.