Hillingdon Crime Rate

Hillingdon is a major London borough with a complex crime profile, influenced significantly by its status as a transport and commercial hub. The area has an overall crime rate of 121.5 per 1,000 people, which sits above the UK average of 91.6. Despite this, it maintains a safety score of 74/100, reflecting the high quality of life in its many residential suburbs. Recent trends show the crime rate is stable, with a minor 4.0% increase year-over-year. Property crime is a notable factor here, with a rate of 47.0 per 1,000 people, exceeding the national average. This analysis explores the breakdown of these figures, providing a clear picture of safety and security across the borough.

Hillingdon is a diverse local authority in West London, characterised by a unique blend of suburban residential areas, major commercial hubs, and critical infrastructure. As the home of Heathrow Airport, one of the world's busiest transport hubs, the borough experiences a high volume of transient population, which significantly influences its crime statistics. The presence of major motorways like the M4 and A40, along with extensive London Underground links, makes it a highly accessible area, which can contribute to higher rates of vehicle-related and opportunistic crime.

Economically, Hillingdon is a powerhouse with major employers in aviation, logistics, and technology. Brunel University also brings a large student population to Uxbridge, adding to the area's vibrancy and nightlife. These factors—high population density in urban centres like Hayes and Uxbridge, combined with the massive logistical operations at Heathrow—create a complex environment for law enforcement. While much of the borough consists of quiet, leafy suburbs, the crime rate is pushed upward by the activity in its commercial and transport sectors.

Crime in Hillingdon is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 24.2% of all reports (9,696 cases). This is closely followed by anti-social behaviour at 22.6%, reflecting the challenges of a high-density urban environment. Vehicle crime is the third most significant type, representing 8.7% of the total, which is a common issue in areas with high commuter activity and major road networks.

Property crime as a whole—which includes burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft—is a major component of the local statistics. The property crime rate in Hillingdon is 47.0 per 1,000 people, which is notably higher than the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, 'other theft' and shoplifting are particularly prevalent, accounting for 8.1% and 7.6% of total crime respectively. Burglary remains a concern for residents, making up 3.6% of reports. For homeowners, this data underscores the importance of robust security, as property-related offences are a frequent occurrence across the borough's diverse neighbourhoods.

Hillingdon's crime trend is currently classified as stable, with a 4.0% increase in total offences over the last 12 months. This indicates that while there has been a slight rise, the borough is not seeing a drastic shift in its safety profile.

Monthly data from 2025 shows a steady pattern, with crime rates per 1,000 people starting at 9.4 in January and peaking at 11.4 in July. The summer months (July and August) saw the highest activity, which is a common seasonal trend in urban areas. By December, the rate had settled back to 9.8. This consistency suggests that crime in Hillingdon is largely driven by the ongoing high volume of activity in its commercial and transport sectors rather than sudden local outbreaks. For residents, this stability provides a predictable environment, though the slightly elevated property crime rate remains a factor to manage.

Comparing Hillingdon to its neighbours provides important regional context. While areas like Ealing, Hounslow, and Harrow are often compared, Hillingdon's unique infrastructure—specifically Heathrow Airport—often results in higher reported crime rates than more purely residential neighbours like Three Rivers. In the wider West London and Thames Valley region, Hillingdon sits alongside other busy areas like Slough and Brent. While some neighbouring districts may report lower raw figures, Hillingdon's safety score of 74/100 indicates that for residents in its suburban heartlands, the area remains a safe and desirable place to live compared to the more intense urban centres nearby.

In an area like Hillingdon, where the property crime rate is 47.0 per 1,000 residents, the limitations of traditional security systems become clear. Most standard CCTV setups are reactive; they record a crime as it happens, often leaving you with nothing but footage of a masked intruder. For Hillingdon homeowners, especially those near busy transport links, proactive protection is a necessity.

scOS offers a sophisticated alternative by using AI to prevent crime before it occurs. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously, scOS identifies threats at the property line. It can verify vehicles via DVLA data and recognise familiar routines, ensuring it only alerts you to genuine threats. When a potential intruder is detected, the system can autonomously activate lights and speakers, destroying the element of surprise. In a borough with significant vehicle and property crime, moving from reactive recording to proactive scOS prevention is the most effective way to secure your home.

How To Keep Safe in Hillingdon

The most prevalent crime types in Hillingdon are violence and sexual offences, along with anti-social behaviour. Given the borough's busy urban and transport environment, personal safety and awareness are paramount.

1. When using major transport hubs like Heathrow or Uxbridge station, remain vigilant of your belongings and stay in well-populated, well-lit areas.
2. If you are out in the borough's commercial centres at night, plan your journey home in advance and use licensed transport options to avoid walking alone in secluded areas.
3. Be mindful of your vehicle's security, especially if parking near transport links; ensure no valuables are left on display and use steering locks as an added visible deterrent.
4. Report persistent anti-social behaviour to the local Safer Neighbourhood Team; early reporting helps police allocate resources to specific hotspots effectively.
5. Secure your home with professional-grade security that includes proactive alerts, as opportunistic property crime is more common in areas with high transient populations.