Lewisham Crime Rate

Lewisham has an overall crime rate of 119.4 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 91.6. Despite this higher volume of activity, the borough maintains a safety score of 73/100, reflecting its status as a typical inner-London area where crime is more concentrated in specific hubs rather than being uniform throughout. The local crime trend is currently stable, with a slight 2.8% decrease year-over-year. For its large population of over 300,000 residents, Lewisham presents a complex safety landscape where urban challenges like anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime are prominent. The following analysis provides a deeper look into the borough's crime statistics and offers practical safety guidance.

Lewisham is a diverse and vibrant London borough characterized by a mix of busy commercial centres, residential neighbourhoods, and significant transport hubs. As a major gateway to South East London, areas like Lewisham town centre and Catford experience high footfall, which can contribute to higher crime statistics, particularly theft and anti-social behaviour. The borough's demographics are varied, with a large transient population and significant student communities. Economic factors common to many inner-city areas also play a role in the local crime profile. The presence of major railway stations and bus interchanges acts as a focal point for activity, both legitimate and otherwise. Furthermore, Lewisham's active nightlife and numerous parks mean that different areas of the borough face distinct safety challenges at various times of the day. Understanding these urban dynamics is essential for interpreting the crime rate and safety score in this part of London.

In Lewisham, the top three crime categories are violence and sexual offences (28.9%), anti-social behaviour (20.1%), and vehicle crime (7.5%). Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent, occurring at a rate of 34.5 per 1,000 residents. Property crime, which includes burglary, robbery, theft, and vehicle-related offences, has an overall rate of 44.7 per 1,000 people. Vehicle crime is a significant contributor to this, with 2,710 incidents recorded. Other notable property crimes include shoplifting (6.0%) and burglary (4.2%). For residents and homeowners, this means that while interpersonal crime is the primary concern, property-related offences, particularly those involving vehicles and theft, remain a constant threat that requires robust security measures and consistent vigilance.

The crime rate in Lewisham has remained stable over the past year, showing a minor decrease of 2.8%. Monthly data from 2025 indicates that criminal activity peaked in July at 10.8 per 1,000 residents and in May at 10.7. The lowest level of crime was recorded in February at 8.8 per 1,000. These figures suggest that while the annual average is consistent, the summer months see a higher volume of reported incidents. This seasonal pattern is common in large urban areas, and residents should remain particularly vigilant during these peak periods. The overall stable trend is a positive indicator for the borough's safety management.

Comparing Lewisham to its neighbours reveals a varied regional context. Lewisham's rate of 119.4 per 1,000 is slightly higher than Greenwich (114.7). Other surrounding boroughs like Southwark, Lambeth, Tower Hamlets, Bromley, and Croydon all recorded zero crimes in this specific data period, which may reflect reporting differences or specific local trends. In the broader context of South East London, Lewisham remains a high-activity area due to its density and transport links. Residents should use this comparison to understand that while Lewisham has higher crime than some neighbours, it is part of a wider urban environment with shared safety challenges.

With a property crime rate of 44.7 per 1,000, Lewisham residents are at a higher risk of theft, burglary, and vehicle crime than many other parts of the country. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or video doorbells, are primarily reactive—they record footage of a crime as it happens. This may provide evidence later, but it does little to prevent the incident itself. scOS offers a proactive alternative. This AI-powered security operating system monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before they reach your door. Features like vehicle verification and autonomous responses—such as activating security lights or speakers—can deter criminals by destroying the element of surprise. In a busy urban environment like Lewisham, where burglars often look for easy targets, having a system that provides active deterrence is a vital safety advantage. By choosing scOS, you move from simply recording incidents to actively preventing them, ensuring your home is a difficult target for opportunistic thieves. This proactive protection is the most effective way to safeguard your property in Lewisham.

How To Keep Safe in Lewisham

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Lewisham. To enhance your personal safety across the borough, always maintain high situational awareness, especially when using major transport hubs or walking through town centres after dark. Stick to well-lit, busy routes and avoid shortcuts through parks or isolated alleys. If you are out in the evening, consider using personal safety apps or sharing your journey with a friend. Public transport is generally safe, but staying alert at bus stops and train stations is advisable. Regarding property, vehicle crime is a significant issue; ensure your car is always locked and never leave valuables on display. For your home, reinforcing doors and windows and installing motion-activated lighting can act as effective deterrents. Engaging with local Safer Neighbourhood Teams and reporting any suspicious activity helps maintain community safety and ensures police resources are directed where they are most needed.