Hounslow Crime Rate

Hounslow is a major London local authority with a crime rate of 112.2 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK national average of 91.6. This activity results in a safety score of 75/100, slightly below the UK average of 79. The crime trend in the borough is currently stable, showing a minor 0.9% increase year-over-year. As a high-density urban area with significant transport infrastructure and commercial hubs, Hounslow experiences a broad range of criminal activity, from anti-social behaviour to vehicle crime. Understanding these statistics is vital for residents and businesses to effectively manage their safety and security. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of the crime breakdown and trends within the local authority area for the Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 period.

About Hounslow

Hounslow is a vibrant and diverse London borough that serves as a major gateway to the capital. Its crime statistics are influenced by several unique characteristics, most notably the presence of Heathrow Airport, one of the world's busiest transport hubs. This brings a high volume of transient population, which can impact crime rates related to theft and public order. The borough is a mix of dense urban centres like Hounslow town centre, industrial zones along the M4 corridor, and quieter suburban residential areas. Major employers in the aviation, logistics, and technology sectors contribute to a busy daytime population. The area's excellent transport links, including the Piccadilly Line and South Western Railway, make it a popular commuter hub, further increasing the density of people in public spaces. These factors, combined with a high population density and active nightlife in certain pockets, create a complex environment that contributes to the borough's overall crime rate and safety score.

Crime Breakdown in Hounslow

The most common crime types in Hounslow are violence and sexual offences, which account for 27.9% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 21.5%. Vehicle crime is the third most significant category, representing 8.6% of the total. When looking at property-related crime as a whole—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, theft from the person, bicycle theft, and other theft—the rate is 43.4 per 1,000 people. This is notably higher than the UK average of 32.2. Within this group, shoplifting is a significant factor at 7.9%, while burglary accounts for 3.8% of total crimes. For residents, this data highlights that while personal safety is a primary concern, property and vehicle security are also critical, as the combined rate of theft-related offences represents a substantial portion of local criminal activity.

Crime Trends in Hounslow

The crime trend in Hounslow is currently stable, with a negligible 0.9% increase in total offences over the last 12 months. This stability suggests that the borough's safety environment is consistent, despite its high activity levels. Monthly data for 2025 shows a clear seasonal pattern. The year began with lower rates of 8.1 in January and 8.0 in February. However, as the weather improved, crime rates rose steadily, peaking in June at 10.7 and July at 10.6 per 1,000 people. This summer peak is common in urban areas with high footfall and outdoor activity. The rates remained elevated through the autumn, reaching 10.2 in October, before beginning a slight decline towards the end of the year, finishing at 8.5 in December. This data indicates that residents should be particularly vigilant during the summer months when the borough is at its most active.

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Hounslow is the most active local authority in the region. Areas such as Richmond upon Thames, Spelthorne, Ealing, Hillingdon, Kingston upon Thames, and Elmbridge all show significantly lower crime rates in the current data, often approaching zero in comparison to Hounslow's 112.2 per 1,000. This disparity is largely due to Hounslow's unique position as a major transport and commercial gateway, particularly with the influence of Heathrow and the M4 corridor. For those looking at the West London region, Hounslow represents the urban heart with the highest levels of activity, while its neighbours offer a more suburban or rural safety profile.

With a property crime rate of 43.4 per 1,000, Hounslow residents face a higher-than-average risk of burglary and vehicle theft. In such a high-activity environment, traditional security measures often fall short. Standard CCTV cameras are reactive; they provide a record of an event after it has happened, which rarely prevents the initial crime or the resulting trauma. For true protection, a proactive approach is required. An AI-powered system like scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, using multi-camera intelligence to identify potential threats before they escalate. By distinguishing between family members, delivery drivers, and genuine intruders, scOS can autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and speakers to stop a crime before it begins. In Hounslow, where vehicle crime is a major concern, scOS's ability to verify vehicle plates and monitor surroundings 24/7 provides a level of autonomous response that recording-only systems cannot match. Shifting from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to secure your property in a busy urban borough.

How To Keep Safe in Hounslow

The most prevalent crime in the Hounslow local authority area is violence and sexual offences. In a busy urban environment, staying safe requires a combination of personal awareness and proactive measures.

1. When using public transport hubs or walking in busy town centres, remain alert and keep your personal belongings secure and out of sight.
2. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas or parks late at night; instead, stick to well-travelled, well-lit pedestrian routes.
3. Ensure your vehicle is parked in a secure, well-lit location and that no valuables are left on display, as vehicle crime is a significant local issue.
4. Be aware of your surroundings when using ATMs or handling cash in public areas to prevent opportunistic theft.
5. Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local police to help them allocate resources effectively across the borough.
6. Consider installing professional-grade home security that offers proactive alerts rather than just recording footage, particularly in areas with higher footfall.