Havering Crime Rate

Havering, a suburban borough in East London, has an overall crime rate of 87.9 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the UK average of 91.7. The borough also boasts a strong safety score of 81/100, significantly outperforming the national average of 50. The recent trend is stable, showing a 4.9% decrease in crime year-over-year based on data from December 2024 to November 2025. With a population of over 276,000, Havering's statistics reflect its status as a largely residential area with busy commercial hubs. This analysis provides a detailed look at the local crime data to help residents and visitors understand the safety landscape and the types of offences most common in the borough.

About Havering

Havering is a large borough in East London, uniquely positioned on the edge of the capital where urban development meets the Essex green belt. It is primarily a residential and suburban borough, known for its extensive parkland and a strong sense of local community. The borough features several major retail and commercial centres, most notably Romford, which has a very active night-time economy and a large shopping district including the Liberty and Brewery centres.

The crime statistics in Havering are influenced by its suburban character and its role as a key transport link between London and Essex. Economically, the area is generally affluent but has pockets of higher activity that attract opportunistic crime. The busy nightlife in Romford contributes to higher reported figures for offences like anti-social behaviour and violence. Additionally, as a major residential area for commuters, vehicle crime and burglary are persistent considerations. Understanding these factors—the mix of quiet suburban streets and busy commercial hubs—is essential for contextualising the local crime rate and safety score relative to more central London boroughs.

Crime in Havering

In Havering, the crime landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 27.7% of all reports with 6,715 incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common crime at 21.3%, followed by shoplifting at 9.2%. These figures reflect the challenges of a busy suburban borough with a significant retail sector and an active social scene.

Property crime is a major concern for residents and business owners, with a rate of 33.7 per 1,000 people. This includes 2,242 shoplifting offences, 2,138 vehicle crimes, and 1,475 'other theft' reports. Burglary accounts for 3.7% of the total crime, with 906 reports. While the overall crime rate is slightly below the UK average, the property crime rate is just above the national average of 32.3. For homeowners, this indicates that while violent crime is the most frequent category, the cumulative risk of vehicle crime, theft, or burglary is a daily reality. Robust security measures are essential in such an environment to protect assets and provide peace of mind in a busy suburban setting.

Crime Trends in Havering

The crime trend in Havering is currently stable, with a year-over-year decrease of 4.9%. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a relatively consistent crime rate per 1,000 residents throughout the year. The year began with a rate of 6.4 in December, followed by a low of 6.0 in February.

Activity picked up slightly in the spring and summer, with the rate peaking at 8.7 in July 2025. However, it remained consistently below the 9.0 mark for the entire year, ending at 7.2 in November. This steady performance and the absence of any major spikes suggest that crime in the borough is being effectively managed. For residents, this downward trend is reassuring and indicates that the area is becoming safer over time. Continued community vigilance and the use of robust security measures can help sustain this positive direction and further improve the safety of Havering for all its residents.

When comparing Havering to its nearby local authorities, the difference in reported crime is notable. Neighbouring areas such as Barking and Dagenham, Thurrock, Brentwood, Redbridge, Bexley, and Dartford all reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people in the latest data period. While this likely reflects differences in reporting or specific data capture periods, it highlights Havering's position as a primary urban centre with high activity for the region. For those considering the wider East London and Essex border area, Havering offers extensive suburban amenities and transport links, but with the higher crime rate typical of such environments compared to its immediate neighbours in this data set. In contrast, the surrounding areas appear significantly quieter for residents.

In a suburban environment like Havering, where the property crime rate is 33.7 per 1,000, protecting your home requires a proactive strategy. Most traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or DIY cameras, are reactive—they only provide footage after a crime has been committed. While this might help with a police report, it does nothing to prevent the trauma and loss associated with a break-in or theft.

A more effective approach is proactive protection using AI-powered systems like scOS. By monitoring your property boundaries in real-time, scOS can detect a threat before it reaches your door. Whether it's spotting unusual behaviour or identifying a potential risk, the system can autonomously respond with lights and audio alerts, deterring the criminal instantly. In a borough where vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour are common, protecting your home with a system that prioritises prevention over recording is the most robust way to ensure your property remains secure. By stopping a threat before it crosses your threshold, you are taking a significant step towards long-term personal and property safety.

How To Keep Safe in Havering

The most common crime in Havering is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 27.7% of all reports. As a busy suburban borough with an active social scene, personal safety is a key consideration for everyone in the area.

To stay safe, it is advisable to stick to well-lit and busy areas, especially when walking at night. If you are enjoying the nightlife in Romford or other centres, plan your journey home in advance and try to travel with others where possible. Being aware of your surroundings and avoiding distractions like mobile phones can also significantly reduce your risk of becoming a target for opportunistic crime.

Regarding property, the high rate of vehicle crime and shoplifting indicates that opportunistic theft is a persistent risk. Always secure your home and vehicle, and never leave valuables on display in parked cars. If you live in a high-traffic area, consider installing a visible and professional security system to act as a deterrent. Engaging with local community safety initiatives or Neighbourhood Watch schemes can also help you stay informed about local activity and build a more secure environment for everyone.