Havering Crime Rate

Havering currently records an overall crime rate of 88.7 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly lower than the UK national average of 91.6. Reflecting this positive position, the borough holds a high safety score of 80/100, surpassing the UK average of 79/100 and indicating a strong perception of safety among its population. Recent data shows that the crime trend is stable, with a minor 2.9% decrease in total incidents year-over-year. This suggests that Havering remains a consistently secure part of London. This report provides a detailed breakdown of local crime statistics to help residents and businesses understand the safety landscape and maintain the borough's secure environment.

About Havering

Havering is an outer London borough that offers a distinct blend of urban and suburban living, with significant areas of protected Green Belt land. Its crime statistics are influenced by its unique position as a gateway between London and Essex. The borough features major commercial and retail hubs, most notably Romford, which boasts a large shopping centre and a vibrant nightlife scene that attracts visitors from across the region. These busy areas naturally contribute to higher rates of shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, and public order offences.

The borough is also a key transport hub, with several major rail and road links, including the M25 and the Elizabeth Line, which can influence vehicle crime and transient criminal activity. Havering's demographic is largely residential, with many families attracted by its parks and schools. Economic factors vary across the borough, from affluent suburban neighbourhoods to more densely populated urban centres. This mix of high-footfall commercial zones and quiet residential streets creates a diverse crime profile typical of a large, well-connected London borough.

Crime in Havering

The crime landscape in Havering is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and shoplifting. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest category, accounting for 27.6% of all recorded incidents with 6,764 cases. Anti-social behaviour is also a significant concern, making up 21.4% of reports. Shoplifting follows as a major issue for the borough's retail sector, with 2,251 crimes recorded annually.

Property crime in Havering—which includes burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft—occurs at a rate of 34.0 per 1,000 people. While violent crime and ASB are the top individual categories, the high volume of vehicle crime (2,167 cases) and various forms of theft indicates that property security is a key priority for residents. For homeowners, the combined threat of burglary (909 cases) and criminal damage (1,382 cases) highlights the need for consistent and robust home security measures to protect their property and belongings.

Crime Trends in Havering

The crime rate in Havering is currently stable, showing a minor year-over-year decrease of 2.9%. This indicates that the volume of criminal activity has remained relatively consistent over the past twelve months. Analysing the monthly trend data for 2025, the year began with its lowest rates in January (6.6) and February (6.0). There was a steady increase through the spring and summer months, with the rate peaking at 8.7 in July.

Following the summer peak, the crime rate fluctuated slightly but remained elevated, with a rate of 7.5 in October before settling around 7.2 and 7.3 in the final months of the year. This pattern of higher crime during the summer months is common in most London boroughs. The overall 2.9% decrease is a positive sign of stability. For residents, this means that established safety habits remain relevant, and continued community vigilance is important to maintain this steady trend.

In the context of East London and the Essex border, Havering (88.7 crimes per 1,000) is one of the more secure boroughs. While direct comparison data for nearby areas like Barking and Dagenham, Thurrock, Brentwood, Redbridge, Bexley, and Dartford shows 0.0 crimes in this specific period (likely due to reporting variations), Havering's figures are typically lower than those of its more central London neighbours. Its high safety score of 80/100 and a stable crime trend reflect its status as a largely residential and suburban borough that successfully manages the challenges of its busy commercial hubs. For those looking for a safer alternative within the London area, Havering remains a strong and consistent choice.

With a property crime rate of 34.0 per 1,000 people in Havering, residents should consider the benefits of proactive security over traditional reactive systems. Most standard CCTV cameras and smart doorbells are designed to record footage of a crime after it has already happened. In an area where vehicle crime and shoplifting are significant factors, prevention is a far more valuable asset. The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to stop crime before it occurs. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter in real-time, scOS can identify suspicious activity—such as someone loitering near your car or side gate—and distinguish it from normal neighbourhood routines. When a genuine threat is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger deterrents like high-intensity lighting or audible warnings. This immediate response destroys the element of surprise that criminals rely on, often causing them to move on before any damage is done. For Havering homeowners, this shift from recording a crime to preventing it provides a significant security advantage.

How To Keep Safe in Havering

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crimes in Havering, making personal safety awareness a key priority for residents and visitors. While these statistics cover a broad range of incidents, taking sensible precautions can help you navigate the borough's urban and suburban spaces more safely.

To enhance your safety, it is advisable to plan your journeys and stick to well-lit, busy pedestrian routes, especially when walking at night in town centres like Romford. Avoid being distracted by your phone or headphones, as staying aware of your surroundings is your first line of defence. If you are enjoying the borough's nightlife, stay with friends and use reputable transport services to get home.

For those concerned about property crime, particularly vehicle crime which is a notable factor in Havering, ensuring that your car is parked in a secure, well-lit area and that no valuables are left on display can act as a significant deterrent. Always report suspicious behaviour to the local police, as community intelligence is vital for effective patrolling and crime prevention. By remaining vigilant and taking basic safety steps, you can significantly reduce your personal risk.