Lambeth Crime Rate

Lambeth presents a high-activity crime profile with an overall crime rate of 149.1 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.7. Despite this high volume, the borough maintains a safety score of 68/100, placing it comfortably above the national average of 50, though lower than the UK average score of 79. The statistics are led by violence and sexual offences, but property-related crime is also very high at 69.6 per 1,000 residents—more than double the national average. The current trend direction is stable, with a 2.9% decrease year-over-year. For residents and visitors, the data indicates a busy urban environment where opportunistic theft and personal safety require constant awareness, but also one where the overall risk level is not currently on an upward trajectory.

Lambeth is a borough of immense diversity and high activity, stretching from the cultural hubs of the South Bank and Waterloo to the vibrant residential and nightlife centres of Brixton, Clapham, and Streatham. As an inner-London local authority, its crime profile is shaped by its role as a major transport gateway, a global tourist destination, and a centre for the capital’s evening economy. The presence of Waterloo station, one of the UK’s busiest transport hubs, naturally draws high footfall and a large transient population, which often correlates with opportunistic theft and public order offences. Furthermore, Lambeth’s famous nightlife in Brixton and Clapham attracts thousands of visitors weekly, contributing to the rates of anti-social behaviour and violence typical of dense urban environments. The borough also contains significant residential areas where population density is high, alongside pockets of economic disparity. These factors—high visitor numbers, a thriving nightlife, and dense urban living—explain why Lambeth maintains a higher crime rate and a safety score of 68/100 compared to more suburban UK areas. Understanding these characteristics is key to interpreting the borough’s crime data and safety profile.

In Lambeth, the crime landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 22.5% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 20.5% and theft from the person at 11.2%. Property-related crime overall is a major factor in the borough, occurring at a rate of 69.6 per 1,000 residents, which is more than double the UK average of 32.3. Within this broad category, theft from the person and other theft (9.3%) are the most prevalent, reflecting the high-footfall nature of the area. Shoplifting (6.7%), vehicle crime (5.5%), and burglary (3.7%) also contribute significantly to the local totals. For residents and business owners, this means that while personal safety is a key concern, the risk of opportunistic theft and property-related offences is exceptionally high. The volume of theft from the person, in particular, highlights the need for constant vigilance in public spaces, transport hubs, and commercial centres across the borough. Criminal damage (4.7%) and robbery (3.6%) are also notable factors in the local crime statistics.

The crime trend in Lambeth is currently stable, with a slight 2.9% decrease in total crimes over the past year. Analysis of the monthly data from late 2024 through 2025 shows a consistent level of high activity. The crime rate fluctuated slightly, with a peak of 14.1 per 1,000 people in July 2025, followed closely by June at 13.8 and May at 13.1. These summer months represent the busiest period for the borough, likely due to increased outdoor social activity and tourism. Conversely, the lowest rates were recorded in February (10.5) and March (11.4). The year ended with a rate of 12.2 in November, reflecting a return to the borough's average. This stable trend suggests that while crime remains high, it is not currently escalating. For residents, this plateau provides a predictable, albeit active, security environment where consistent vigilance and the use of modern security measures are essential to mitigate the ongoing risks. The high volume of incidents across all months emphasizes the need for year-round awareness.

In the regional context, Lambeth's crime rate of 149.1 per 1,000 is slightly lower than that of its neighbour, Southwark, which sits at 154.7. For other nearby boroughs such as Westminster, Wandsworth, Lewisham, and the City of London, comparative data for this period is currently limited. However, Lambeth's position as a major transport and commercial hub naturally leads to higher reported crime figures than more residential outer-London boroughs. This context helps position Lambeth as a high-activity central London authority where crime is concentrated in busy commercial, transport, and nightlife zones, requiring a proactive approach to safety and property protection from all who live and work there.

With a high property crime rate of 69.6 in Lambeth, residents and business owners must prioritize advanced, proactive security. Traditional systems like basic CCTV or doorbell cameras are often insufficient in high-density urban areas because they only record footage of a crime after it has already occurred. To truly protect your property, a proactive AI-driven solution like scOS is the modern standard. scOS uses intelligent multi-camera monitoring to identify threats at the property boundary before a break-in or theft happens. Its ability to learn routines and recognize familiar faces means it only alerts you to real threats, reducing false alarms in a busy city environment. In an area where theft and vehicle crime are significant risks, the autonomous response of scOS—activating lights and audible warnings—can deter a criminal in the critical 60 seconds they take to decide on a target. Investing in prevention rather than just recording is the most effective way to safeguard your home in Lambeth. Professional-grade protection like scOS provides the deterrence needed in such a high-activity borough.

How To Keep Safe in Lambeth

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Lambeth, accounting for over 22% of all local reports. In a busy urban environment, personal safety is paramount; always stay alert in public spaces, particularly near major transport hubs like Waterloo or in nightlife areas like Brixton and Clapham. Stick to well-lit main roads and avoid walking alone late at night where possible. Since theft from the person is also a major factor (11.2%), keep your valuables, especially mobile phones and wallets, secure and out of sight in crowded areas. Given the high overall crime rate, staying connected with your local community through a neighbourhood watch or safety app can provide helpful real-time updates. For property owners, ensure all doors and windows are fitted with high-quality locks and consider professional-grade security. For car owners, vehicle crime is a significant risk, so secure garaging or well-lit parking is a necessity. Finally, always report any suspicious activity to the police to help them manage the borough's high volume of incidents. Awareness and proactive steps are your best defence in Lambeth.