Kingston upon Thames Crime Rate

Kingston upon Thames recorded a crime rate of 87.4 incidents per 1,000 residents between February 2025 and January 2026. This figure sits slightly below the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000, and reflects a stable trend overall. While certain crime types have seen increases, the area maintains a safety score of 81 out of 100, demonstrating a generally secure environment. This analysis examines the key crime statistics for Kingston upon Thames, providing context and practical safety advice.

Kingston upon Thames is a vibrant and diverse London borough with a mix of residential, commercial, and green spaces. Its popularity as a retail and entertainment hub contributes to increased foot traffic and, consequently, potential opportunities for crime. The area's diverse demographics and a high proportion of young adults also contribute to the local crime profile. The presence of several universities attracts a large student population, which can influence certain types of crime, such as theft and anti-social behaviour. A combination of these factors shapes the overall crime statistics for the borough.

The most prevalent crimes in Kingston upon Thames are violence and sexual offences (3920 crimes, 22.7 per 1,000), anti-social behaviour (3299 crimes, 19.1 per 1,000), and shoplifting (1593 crimes, 9.2 per 1,000). Property crime, encompassing burglary, theft, and criminal damage, accounts for 34.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. Vehicle crime also represents a notable concern, with 1060 incidents recorded (6.1 per 1,000). The rising prevalence of violence and sexual offences, up 13.7% year-on-year, warrants particular attention, although it remains 30% below the UK average.

Crime in Kingston upon Thames has remained relatively stable, showing a 4.5% year-on-year change between January 2025 and January 2026. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with July 2025 seeing the highest monthly rate at 8.4 per 1,000, compared to a low of 6.3 per 1,000 in January 2026. While some categories, such as possession of weapons (+72.5% YoY), demonstrate significant increases, others, like bicycle theft, have decreased (-31.3% YoY), contributing to the overall stability.

Kingston upon Thames's crime rate of 87.4 per 1,000 is relatively moderate compared to neighbouring local authorities. Elmbridge boasts the lowest crime rate in the vicinity at 60.8 per 1,000, while Wandsworth has a significantly higher rate of 100.7 per 1,000. Epsom and Ewell (80.1 per 1,000) and Merton (78.1 per 1,000) also have higher rates than Kingston upon Thames, illustrating the variability in crime across the region.

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How To Keep Safe in Kingston upon Thames

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s advisable to remain vigilant when walking alone, particularly at night. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid poorly lit areas. With vehicle crime affecting 6.1 per 1,000 residents, ensure your vehicle is securely locked and alarms are activated. Report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Consider joining local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster community safety and share information. Finally, be mindful of anti-social behaviour, which is 21.9 per 1,000, by reporting incidents to the appropriate authorities.