Lambeth Crime Rate

Lambeth, a vibrant and diverse borough in London, recorded a crime rate of 149.7 per 1,000 residents between February 2025 and January 2026. This rate is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000, placing Lambeth’s safety score at 67/100. While there has been a slight downward trend in crime over the reporting period, reflecting a stable decrease of -2.5% year-on-year, understanding the specific crime landscape is crucial for residents and visitors alike. This page provides a detailed breakdown of crime statistics, trends, and practical safety advice.

Lambeth is a densely populated and diverse borough in South London, encompassing a mix of residential, commercial, and green spaces. Its population density contributes to a higher concentration of people in certain areas, which can, in turn, influence crime rates. The presence of transport hubs and busy commercial districts can also attract opportunistic crime. Socioeconomic factors, such as income inequality and employment opportunities, can play a role in the patterns of crime observed within the borough. The mix of affluent and deprived areas creates a complex social landscape that can impact community safety.

The most prevalent crimes in Lambeth involve violence and sexual offences, accounting for 34.1 per 1,000 residents (10,812 crimes). Anti-social behaviour follows closely, with 31.1 per 1,000 residents (9,844 crimes), and theft from the person accounts for 16.6 per 1,000 (5,272 crimes). Property crime, a significant concern, stands at 69.2 per 1,000 residents. Other notable offences include shoplifting (9.9 per 1,000), vehicle crime (7.9 per 1,000), and criminal damage and arson (6.9 per 1,000). Burglary, while lower in frequency than other crime types, remains a concern at 5.7 per 1,000.

Crime in Lambeth has shown a stable decrease of -2.5% year-on-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with July 2025 being the peak month with 14.1 crimes per 1,000 residents, while February 2025 recorded the lowest rate at 10.5 per 1,000. This slight downward trend suggests a period of relative stability in crime rates, although vigilance and preventative measures remain essential for maintaining safety within the borough.

Lambeth's crime rate of 148.6 per 1,000 residents is higher than some of its neighbours. Southwark has a rate of 154.0 per 1,000, while the City of London experiences a significantly higher rate of 672.6 per 1,000. Wandsworth, the safest neighbouring local authority, reports a lower crime rate of 100.7 per 1,000, highlighting variations in safety across the region. Even within Lambeth, Rural Lambeth is safer with 76.1 per 1,000 compared to Lambeth itself.

Traditional CCTV systems often record incidents after they’ve occurred, providing little preventative value. Reading crime statistics is one thing; proactively stopping threats at your property line is another. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers a different approach. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, detecting potential threats at the property boundary before they escalate. The system’s DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles, and pattern learning recognises family members and deliveries, minimising false alarms. The visible presence of scOS often acts as a deterrent, making that 60-second decision easy for potential intruders - they move on.

How To Keep Safe in Lambeth

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, be mindful of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Due to the high incidence of anti-social behaviour, report any suspicious activity to the police. With theft from the person being a common occurrence, secure your belongings and be wary of pickpockets in crowded areas. Consider travelling in well-lit groups and avoiding secluded areas after dark. Always trust your instincts and report any concerns to the authorities.