Islington Crime Rate

Islington is a high-activity central London borough with an overall crime rate of 182.9 per 1,000 residents. This rate is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6, which is typical for a densely populated urban area with major commercial and nightlife hubs. Despite the high frequency of incidents, Islington maintains a safety score of 62/100, which is above the national average baseline. The crime trend is currently stable, with a 0.0% change year-over-year, suggesting a consistent level of reported activity. With a population of over 223,000, the borough faces challenges common to major cities, particularly regarding property crime and anti-social behaviour. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of these statistics.

About Islington

Islington is a vibrant and densely populated London borough known for its diverse mix of residential, commercial, and cultural characteristics. As a central London location, it encompasses a wide range of environments, from the affluent townhouses of Barnsbury and Canonbury to more transient urban areas near major transport hubs like Angel and Highbury & Islington. These hubs, along with the bustling nightlife and retail scene along Upper Street, contribute to high footfall and a significant transient population, which are key factors in the local crime statistics.

The borough is home to major employers and a thriving creative sector, alongside pockets of significant socio-economic deprivation. This economic disparity, combined with the high density of residential properties and commercial businesses, often influences crime rates. The presence of major thoroughfares and proximity to the City of London further adds to the complexity of the area's safety profile. Understanding Islington's crime rate requires acknowledging its role as both a primary residential district for over 223,000 people and a major destination for work and leisure within the capital.

Crime in Islington

Crime in Islington is led by anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 22.1% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 40.4 per 1,000 residents. This is followed closely by violence and sexual offences at 20.2% and other theft at 9.7%. The high prevalence of anti-social behaviour and theft is typical for a central London borough with significant commercial activity and high population density.

Property crime in Islington, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and various forms of theft, is substantial, with a rate of 83.4 per 1,000 residents. This is more than double the UK average property crime rate of 32.2. Theft from the person (9.3%) and shoplifting (8.0%) are also major contributors to the local statistics. For residents and business owners, this high property crime rate underscores the importance of robust security measures. While burglary itself accounts for 4.1% of total crime, the overall volume of property-related offences remains a primary concern for the community.

Crime Trends in Islington

Crime in Islington is currently stable, with a 0.0% change in total incidents year-over-year. This indicates that the borough is maintaining its current safety profile despite the challenges of an urban environment. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates remained relatively consistent throughout the year, with minor fluctuations.

The highest crime rate was recorded in May (16.6 per 1,000), followed closely by July (16.5). The quietest months were February (13.5) and December (13.8). For most of the year, the rate held steady between 14.8 and 15.6 per 1,000. This pattern suggests that while there are slight increases during the late spring and summer months—likely coinciding with warmer weather and increased public activity—the overall level of crime in Islington is predictable and consistent. For residents, this stability means that while the risk remains higher than the national average, it is not currently escalating.

Comparing Islington to its immediate neighbours provides important regional context. Islington's crime rate of 182.9 per 1,000 is considerably lower than that of Camden, which recorded a significantly higher rate of 225.5. This suggests that while Islington is a high-crime area by national standards, it is safer than some of its direct central London counterparts. Data for other surrounding boroughs such as Hackney, Haringey, Tower Hamlets, and the City of London was not available for this period, but historically these areas share similar urban challenges. For those considering the region, Islington offers a middle-ground safety profile within the context of Inner London's high-density urban environment.

In an area like Islington, where the property crime rate is 83.4 per 1,000 residents, home and business security are paramount. The high volume of theft, vehicle crime, and burglary indicates that property is frequently targeted by both opportunistic and professional offenders. Traditional security measures, such as standard CCTV or DIY doorbell cameras, are reactive; they provide footage after a crime has been committed, which often does little to stop the loss or damage.

For residents who want to move from recording crime to preventing it, scOS offers a proactive solution. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that monitors your property's perimeter in real-time. It can distinguish between normal urban activity and genuine threats, and if an intruder is detected, it can autonomously respond with lights and audible warnings. This "boundary-first" defence is essential in a high-density area like Islington, where deterring a criminal before they reach your door is the most effective way to protect your property. By choosing scOS, you are investing in professional-grade intelligence that actively defends your home, ensuring that your property is passed over for an easier target.

How To Keep Safe in Islington

Anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Islington, followed by various forms of theft. Maintaining personal safety in such a busy urban environment requires a proactive approach.

1. Vigilance in High-Footfall Areas: With theft from the person and shoplifting accounting for over 17% of crime, be extremely mindful of your belongings in busy areas like Upper Street, Angel, and transport hubs.
2. Secure Your Home Perimeter: Property crime is high, so ensure all windows and doors are reinforced. Use motion-activated lighting and consider a proactive security system that monitors your boundaries.
3. Vehicle Security: Vehicle crime is a significant issue. Always use a steering lock, ensure no items are left on display, and park in well-lit or secure off-street locations whenever possible.
4. Bicycle Protection: Islington has a notable rate of bicycle theft. Use two high-quality locks (including a D-lock) and secure your bike to a solid, immovable object in a well-lit area.
5. Report ASB: Anti-social behaviour is the top reported issue. Reporting incidents to the local council or police helps them allocate resources and improve safety in specific neighbourhoods.