Kingston upon Thames Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Kingston upon Thames

Kingston upon Thames reports an overall crime rate of 85.3 crimes per 1,000 residents per year. This figure positions the area as relatively safer compared to the national average, which stands at 93.4 crimes per 1,000 people. The safety score for Kingston upon Thames is an impressive 82 out of 100, significantly higher than the UK average safety score of 78. This indicates a generally secure environment for its population of 172,692. The crime trend in Kingston upon Thames has remained stable, showing a marginal decrease of 0.2% year-over-year, suggesting consistent crime levels over the past year. This report delves into specific crime types and trends to provide a comprehensive understanding of safety in the area.

About Kingston upon Thames

Kingston upon Thames, a vibrant London borough, is characterised by its mix of urban and suburban environments, offering both bustling commercial centres and tranquil residential neighbourhoods. Its appeal as a retail and leisure destination, particularly around the town centre, naturally leads to higher footfall and associated crime types like shoplifting and other theft. The presence of Kingston University contributes to a notable student population, which can influence transient population figures and general activity levels, particularly in the evening economy. Excellent transport links, including a major railway station, serve as a hub for commuters and visitors, which, while beneficial for the economy, can also present opportunities for opportunistic crime. The balance of a thriving town centre with quieter residential areas contributes to the diverse crime statistics observed in the borough, affecting various aspects of public safety.

Crime Type Analysis in Kingston upon Thames

An analysis of crime types in Kingston upon Thames reveals that Violence and sexual offences, Anti-social behaviour, and Shoplifting are the three most prevalent categories. Violence and sexual offences account for 3,649 crimes, equating to 21.1 per 1,000 residents and 24.8% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour follows closely with 3,323 crimes, or 19.2 per 1,000, representing 22.6% of the total. Shoplifting, with 1,579 reported incidents (9.1 per 1,000), makes up 10.7% of all crimes, reflecting the area's active retail sector.

Property-related crime, a significant concern for residents and homeowners, encompasses several categories. Combined, burglary (618 crimes), other theft (993 crimes), vehicle crime (941 crimes), criminal damage and arson (857 crimes), theft from the person (468 crimes), and bicycle theft (270 crimes) contribute significantly to the overall crime picture. The total property crime rate stands at 34.4 per 1,000 people, slightly above the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This indicates that while the area has a strong overall safety score, vigilance regarding property security remains important for homeowners and businesses alike.

Crime Trends in Kingston upon Thames

The crime trends in Kingston upon Thames indicate a stable period, with a year-over-year change of -0.2%. This marginal decrease suggests that overall crime levels have remained largely consistent over the past twelve months. Examining the monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents provides further insight into these patterns. Over the last year, the crime rate has fluctuated, with a low of 6.4 in December 2024 and a peak of 8.4 in July 2025.

Specific monthly data points, such as the rise from 6.8 in April 2025 to 7.7 in May 2025 and then further to 8.4 in July 2025, show periods of increased activity, possibly linked to seasonal factors or increased public gatherings. Conversely, the rate dropped to 7.0 in August 2025 and 6.9 in September 2025, indicating a return to lower levels. For residents, this stable trend means that the general risk profile has not significantly altered, but awareness of these monthly variations can be helpful for understanding local safety dynamics.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, Kingston upon Thames's crime statistics can be compared with several neighbouring areas. Richmond upon Thames, Merton, and Wandsworth are all London boroughs with similar characteristics to Kingston upon Thames, often demonstrating comparable urban challenges and safety profiles. Epsom and Ewell, and Elmbridge, situated to the south, tend to have more suburban or rural characteristics, which can sometimes lead to different crime patterns, often with lower overall rates but potentially higher property crime in isolated areas. Sutton, another neighbouring borough, presents its own unique set of circumstances.

Kingston upon Thames's overall safety score of 82/100 positions it favourably amongst its neighbours and the broader UK average. While specific crime types may vary, this comparison helps residents and those considering moving to the area understand its relative safety within the wider region. It highlights that while no area is entirely crime-free, Kingston upon Thames maintains a strong safety standing.

Enhancing Your Security in Kingston upon Thames

Given Kingston upon Thames's property crime rate of 34.4 per 1,000 people, which is slightly above the UK average, residents may wish to consider robust security measures. While traditional CCTV systems offer valuable footage after an incident, true peace of mind comes from preventing crime before it occurs. Instead of simply recording a burglary, imagine a system that actively stops it at your property line.

scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers precisely this proactive protection. Unlike reactive systems that notify you after a break-in, scOS utilises multi-camera intelligence to detect threats at the property boundary, never missing a beat. It learns your routines, recognising family and deliveries, and only alerts you to genuine threats. With features like DVLA vehicle verification, scOS can even catch fake plates instantly. When a threat is detected, scOS doesn't just record; it initiates an autonomous response, activating lights and engaging speakers to destroy the element of surprise and prompt intruders to move on. For those seeking professional-grade deterrence and genuine prevention against property crime, scOS provides an advanced alternative to traditional security approaches.