Lewisham Crime Rate

Lewisham records an overall crime rate of 119.5 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK national average of 91.7. Despite being a busy London borough, it maintains a safety score of 73/100, indicating a relatively stable environment compared to other inner-city areas. The recent trend direction is classified as stable, with a year-over-year decrease of 2.6% in total reported crimes. This suggests that while crime remains a factor of urban life in Lewisham, the overall volume of offences is slightly declining. The following report provides a detailed analysis of crime types and trends in the borough from December 2024 to November 2025, offering valuable context for residents and property owners.

Lewisham is a major South London borough characterised by its diverse mix of high-density urban centres, commercial hubs, and quieter residential suburbs. The borough's crime statistics are influenced by its role as a significant transport interchange, with Lewisham station serving as a primary gateway for commuters and visitors. This high transient population, combined with vibrant local high streets and a bustling night-time economy, naturally contributes to higher rates of certain crime types.

Economically, Lewisham features a broad demographic spectrum, which can influence property crime rates in areas where residential streets sit in close proximity to busy commercial districts. The presence of major employers and educational institutions also means the area remains active throughout the day and night. These urban characteristics, typical of inner London boroughs, result in a crime rate that is higher than the national average but consistent with its neighbouring London authorities. Understanding these factors helps place Lewisham's safety score of 73/100 into context as a typical London urban environment.

In Lewisham, the crime landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 28.8% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 20.1% and vehicle crime at 7.7%. These three categories represent over half of all criminal activity in the borough, reflecting common challenges faced by high-density London areas.

Property crime overall is a significant factor for Lewisham residents, with a combined rate of 44.7 per 1,000 people. This encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and various forms of theft. Specifically, vehicle crime (9.2 per 1,000) and burglary (5.0 per 1,000) are persistent issues that directly impact homeowners and car owners. Other theft also remains high at 8.5 per 1,000. For residents, this means that while personal safety is a primary focus, the protection of physical assets—such as vehicles parked on the street and residential property—requires consistent attention and robust security measures to deter opportunistic offenders.

The crime trend in Lewisham is currently stable, having seen a 2.6% decrease in total offences over the last year. Analysis of the monthly crime rates from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a fairly consistent pattern, with the rate typically hovering around 9.5 to 10.5 per 1,000 people. The lowest activity was recorded in February 2025 at 8.8 per 1,000, while the peak occurred in July 2025, reaching 10.8 per 1,000.

This summer peak is a common trend in London, often attributed to increased footfall in public spaces and longer daylight hours. However, the subsequent dip back to 10.0 by November 2025 suggests that this seasonal increase does not lead to a long-term rise in crime. For residents, this stable trend indicates that while crime remains a persistent urban challenge, the borough is not currently experiencing a surge in criminal activity, and the overall volume of reported incidents is trending slightly downwards.

In the context of South East London, Lewisham's crime rate of 119.5 per 1,000 people is comparable to its neighbours. It is slightly higher than Greenwich, which has a rate of 115.1 per 1,000. Other nearby areas such as Southwark, Lambeth, and Tower Hamlets typically experience higher crime volumes due to their higher density of commercial activity and night-time economy. To the south, Bromley and Croydon offer different safety profiles, with Bromley often recording lower rates as a more suburban borough. For those looking at the region, Lewisham represents a typical inner London safety profile, sitting between the more residential outskirts and the highly active central London districts.

Lewisham's property crime rate of 44.7 per 1,000 people highlights a clear need for effective home security. In a busy urban environment like South London, traditional reactive security measures are often insufficient. Standard CCTV systems and video doorbells provide footage of a crime after it has occurred, which does little to prevent the initial intrusion or the subsequent loss of property and peace of mind.

For real protection, Lewisham homeowners should consider a proactive AI-powered system like scOS. Unlike standard systems, scOS uses intelligent multi-camera monitoring to detect threats at the property boundary. By identifying suspicious patterns before a break-in occurs, the system can initiate autonomous responses—such as activating high-intensity lighting or audible alerts—to deter the intruder immediately. This "boundary-first" approach is essential in preventing opportunistic vehicle crime and burglary. By choosing professional-grade, proactive security, residents can ensure their homes are not just being watched, but are actively being protected against the specific crime challenges found in Lewisham.

How To Keep Safe in Lewisham

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Lewisham, making up nearly 29% of all reports. While this is a broad category, staying safe in a busy London borough requires constant awareness and proactive habits.

When travelling through the borough, especially at night or near major transport hubs like Lewisham or Catford stations, stay alert and keep your mobile phone and valuables out of sight. Stick to well-populated and well-lit routes, and avoid taking shortcuts through parks or poorly lit side streets after dark. If you are using public transport, try to wait in well-lit areas near other people. For those who drive, vehicle crime is the third most common offence; ensure you never leave bags or electronics on display inside your car, even for a short time. At home, ensuring your front entrance is clearly visible and well-lit can discourage anti-social behaviour and make you feel more secure when arriving or leaving your property.