Kingston upon Thames Crime Rate

Kingston upon Thames is a safe and desirable London borough, currently holding a safety score of 82/100. The area's overall crime rate is 87.3 per 1,000 residents, which compares favourably to the UK national average of 91.7. Recent data indicates a stable safety environment, with a minor year-over-year increase of 3.8%. As a major commercial and transport hub for South West London, Kingston experiences a higher volume of crime than some of its more purely residential neighbours, yet it remains one of the more secure parts of the capital. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of local statistics to help residents and visitors understand the safety landscape of the Royal Borough.

Kingston upon Thames is a historic market town and one of the major metropolitan centres of Greater London. Its crime profile is influenced by several key factors, including its status as a premier shopping destination, its vibrant nightlife, and its large student population from Kingston University. The town's major transport hub, providing quick access to central London, also contributes to a high daily transient population. These elements lead to higher rates of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, particularly in the town centre. While many parts of the borough are affluent and residential, the high footfall in commercial areas naturally increases the volume of reported incidents. Economic factors and the density of businesses in the Royal Borough create a different safety landscape compared to more purely residential London suburbs.

In Kingston upon Thames, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime, accounting for 25.4% of all reports. Anti-social behaviour is a close second at 22.3%, followed by shoplifting at 10.7%. Overall property crime, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, occurs at a rate of 34.8 per 1,000 residents. This is slightly above the UK national average of 32.3. Within this category, vehicle crime (6.6%) and 'other theft' (6.4%) are more frequent than burglary (4.3%). This data suggests that while residential burglary is relatively low, residents and visitors should be particularly mindful of car security and opportunistic theft in public and commercial spaces.

Kingston upon Thames has maintained a stable crime trend over the past year, with a minor 3.8% increase in total reports. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated between 6.4 and 8.4 per 1,000 residents. The highest activity was recorded in July (8.4) and October (8.1), while the lowest was in December 2024 (6.4). This consistency suggests that the safety environment in Kingston is well-managed, with no sudden spikes in criminal activity. The slight increase is reflective of broader regional trends but does not significantly impact Kingston's standing as a relatively safe London borough.

Kingston upon Thames serves as a major regional hub, which is reflected in its crime rate of 87.3 per 1,000. When compared to immediate neighbours like Richmond upon Thames, Merton, Sutton, Elmbridge, and Epsom and Ewell—all of which reported a 0.0 crime rate in this specific data period—Kingston appears more active. However, this is typical for a primary metropolitan centre with high footfall, major retail, and a busy nightlife. For those seeking a balance of urban amenities and safety, Kingston remains a strong performer in the London region.

Kingston upon Thames has a property crime rate of 34.8 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly above the national average. In a busy urban environment like Kingston, properties are often targeted by opportunistic thieves. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or video doorbells, are reactive; they record a crime as it happens but often fail to prevent it. For residents in Kingston, scOS offers a more advanced, proactive solution. The AI-powered system monitors all camera feeds simultaneously to identify potential threats at the property boundary. It can verify vehicles and recognize daily routines, ensuring that alerts are only sent for real threats. If an intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers to stop a burglary or vehicle theft before it begins. This preventative approach is essential for protecting homes in a busy metropolitan borough.

How To Keep Safe in Kingston upon Thames

The most frequent crimes in Kingston upon Thames are violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour, which are often concentrated in the busy town centre and nightlife areas. To stay safe, it is recommended to remain aware of your surroundings, especially when out late at night. Stick to well-lit, busy streets and travel with friends where possible. Use personal safety apps and be mindful of your belongings in crowded retail spaces.

Property crime is also a factor, with vehicle crime and shoplifting being more prevalent than residential burglary. Always ensure your vehicle is locked and that no valuables are left on display. When shopping, keep your bags zipped and be cautious of pickpockets in busy areas like the Bentall Centre or the Market Place. For homeowners, ensuring that windows and doors are securely locked and installing a proactive security system can help protect against opportunistic theft. Participation in local Neighbourhood Watch schemes is also encouraged to stay informed about any suspicious activity in your specific neighbourhood.