Lambeth Crime Rate

Lambeth has a high overall crime rate of 149.5 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly above the UK average of 91.6. Despite this, the area maintains a safety score of 68/100, which is above the UK baseline of 50, indicating a manageable environment for its large population. The crime trend in Lambeth is currently stable, with a minor 2.5% decrease year-over-year. This consistency suggests that while the frequency of incidents is high, it is not experiencing a major surge. The following data provides a detailed look at the crime statistics for Lambeth from January 2025 to December 2025, offering insights into the specific challenges faced by this South London local authority.

Lambeth is a major South London borough with a diverse and active crime profile. As a densely populated urban area, it contains significant commercial hubs, high-density residential neighbourhoods, and a vibrant nightlife scene, particularly in areas like Brixton and Vauxhall. The borough's crime statistics are influenced by its high footfall, major transport interchanges like Waterloo and Clapham Junction, and its proximity to central London. These factors contribute to higher rates of opportunistic crimes, such as theft from the person and shoplifting. Lambeth also features significant economic diversity, with affluent areas like Dulwich sitting alongside wards with higher levels of deprivation. This socioeconomic mix, combined with the borough's role as a destination for entertainment and employment, creates an environment where both personal and property crimes are statistically more frequent than in suburban or rural regions. The presence of major hospitals and government buildings also adds to the complexity of the area's safety profile, requiring a robust and multi-faceted approach to community policing and security.

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime in Lambeth, accounting for 22.6% of all reports. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 20.7% and theft from the person at 11.2%. When examining property-related crime as a whole—including burglary, robbery, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—the rate is 69.4 per 1,000 residents. This is more than double the UK national average of 32.2. For homeowners and residents, this means that property crime is a very high risk, with theft from the person and shoplifting being particularly prevalent. While burglary represents 3.8% of the total, the overall high frequency of property offences makes robust home and personal security an absolute necessity in Lambeth.

The crime trend in Lambeth is stable, showing a minor 2.5% decrease in total crimes year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates peaked in July at 14.1 per 1,000 and June at 13.8. The lowest point of the year was in February, which saw a rate of 10.5. Other months generally hovered between 11.4 and 13.1. This overall stability is a positive indicator for the community, suggesting that despite the high levels of crime, local safety initiatives and policing are effectively maintaining a consistent environment without significant new surges in criminal activity. The consistent pattern over the 12-month period provides a predictable baseline for local law enforcement.

Lambeth is part of a South London region with very high crime levels. It has a slightly lower crime rate than nearby Southwark (154.1). Other neighbouring areas such as City of London, Westminster, Wandsworth, Kensington and Chelsea, and Lewisham reported no crimes in the comparable data set, though this is likely due to reporting boundaries. For residents and visitors, Lambeth represents a typical busy London borough with high footfall and associated urban crime risks, requiring a higher level of personal and property awareness than suburban or rural areas.

In an area like Lambeth, where the property crime rate is more than double the national average, traditional security measures are often insufficient. Standard CCTV systems are reactive; they record a crime after it has already occurred, which does little to prevent loss in a high-crime environment. scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI to detect potential threats at the property boundary. For Lambeth residents, this means that an intruder or unauthorised person can be identified and deterred before they even reach a door or window. scOS uses autonomous responses, such as activating floodlights or audible warnings, to stop a crime in its tracks. In a community with such high crime levels, a visible scOS installation serves as a powerful deterrent. By choosing proactive protection over reactive recording, you are investing in a system that prevents your property from becoming a statistic. Professional-grade AI security signals a level of protection that makes opportunistic criminals move on to less secure targets. Moving from recording a crime to preventing one is the most effective way to safeguard your home in Lambeth.

How To Keep Safe in Lambeth

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Lambeth, accounting for over 22% of all reports. To maintain your personal safety, it is essential to be highly aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone in busy or isolated areas. Stick to well-lit, familiar routes. Theft from the person is also a major concern, particularly in high-footfall areas like Brixton and Waterloo; keep your valuables secure and out of sight. For home security, robust locks and motion-activated lighting are basic necessities. Installing a professional security system that provides real-time boundary detection can offer an early warning of suspicious activity. It is also beneficial to get to know your neighbours and participate in local community safety initiatives. Given the high crime rate, staying vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the police promptly is essential. For vehicle security, always use a steering lock and ensure no valuables are left on display. Keeping a mobile phone fully charged and letting someone know your plans when out are also sensible precautions. Additionally, being mindful of your belongings in cafes and restaurants can prevent opportunistic theft. Participation in local safety programs can also provide valuable information on local hotspots.