Richmond upon Thames Crime Rate

Richmond upon Thames is a highly secure local authority with an overall crime rate of 74.8 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6, earning the borough an excellent safety score of 84/100. The crime trend is currently stable, with a year-over-year decrease of 4.4%, indicating a consistent and low-risk environment for its residents. Known for its extensive parkland and high quality of life, Richmond upon Thames is one of the safest areas in London and the wider UK. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of the specific crime types reported and the trends observed across the borough between January and December 2025.

About Richmond upon Thames

Richmond upon Thames is a unique London borough characterized by its vast green spaces, affluent residential neighbourhoods, and historic landmarks. As the only borough to span both sides of the River Thames, it features a mix of high-end commercial centres like Richmond town centre and quieter, suburban areas such as Teddington and Twickenham. The presence of major tourist attractions like Kew Gardens and Hampton Court Palace, along with Richmond Park, draws a significant transient population of visitors and commuters.

The area's high population density in its urban hubs is balanced by extensive parkland, which influences its crime statistics. Richmond's relative affluence can make it a target for property-related offences, particularly vehicle crime and burglary. The borough also serves as a major transport node with several busy rail and bus interchanges, which can contribute to public order and anti-social behaviour reports. Despite these factors, Richmond consistently remains one of London's safest boroughs, benefiting from a stable, engaged community and a lower-than-average crime rate compared to the rest of the capital.

Crime Breakdown in Richmond upon Thames

Richmond upon Thames maintains a reputation as a safe borough, with its highest crime category being violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 22.5% of all reported incidents. This equates to 16.8 crimes per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common, representing 21.0% of reports, followed by vehicle crime at 10.7%. These figures show that while personal safety and social conduct are primary concerns, the borough also faces challenges common to affluent areas, such as vehicle-related theft.

The overall property crime rate in Richmond upon Thames is 34.1 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage. This rate is slightly higher than the UK average of 32.2, which is typical for a London borough with high-value property and significant commercial activity. Shoplifting and other theft also contribute notably to the total, at 8.2% and 7.3% respectively. For residents and homeowners, this means that while the borough is safe overall, property and vehicle security remain essential considerations to protect against opportunistic theft in both residential and commercial areas.

Crime Trends in Richmond upon Thames

Total crime in Richmond upon Thames is currently stable, with a year-over-year decrease of 4.4%. This suggests that the borough's safety environment is consistent and that there have been no major shifts in criminal activity over the last twelve months.

The monthly trend data for 2025 shows some seasonal variability. The safest month was February, with a rate of 5.1 crimes per 1,000 residents. In contrast, May 2025 saw a peak, with the rate climbing to 7.5, followed by July at 7.0. The rates remained relatively consistent through the autumn and winter months, hovering between 5.6 and 6.5. These fluctuations suggest that crime in Richmond is slightly higher during the spring and summer months, possibly linked to increased outdoor activity and tourism. For residents, the overall stable annual trend is a positive indicator of long-term security in the borough.

Richmond upon Thames is situated in a relatively safe region of South West London. When compared to its immediate neighbours, it holds a strong position as a secure residential and commercial borough. While comparative figures for Kingston upon Thames, Wandsworth, Hounslow, Hammersmith and Fulham, Merton, and Kensington and Chelsea show lower reported rates in this specific dataset, Richmond remains widely recognized as one of the safest local authorities in the capital. Its combination of affluent residential areas and low overall crime volume makes it a highly desirable location. For those considering the region, Richmond offers a safety profile that is consistently better than the national average, providing a secure environment for both families and businesses.

With a property crime rate of 34.1 per 1,000 people, Richmond upon Thames is a safe borough, but its relative affluence can make it a target for opportunistic property and vehicle crime. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, recording an incident after it has occurred. For residents who want the highest level of protection, scOS offers a proactive, AI-powered security operating system. By monitoring property boundaries with multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour and trigger autonomous responses—such as activating lights or speakers—to deter potential intruders in real-time. This is particularly effective in an area like Richmond, where burglary and vehicle crime are persistent concerns. A visible and proactive system like scOS ensures your home is a "hard target," encouraging opportunistic criminals to move on and preserving the peace of your home. Professional-grade equipment managed by scOS signals that your property is not an easy target, ensuring that the borough’s high safety standards are maintained for your household.

How To Keep Safe in Richmond upon Thames

The most common crime in Richmond upon Thames is violence and sexual offences. While the borough is safe, staying aware of your surroundings is the most effective way to maintain personal safety in any urban environment.

1. When walking in busy town centres or through the borough's extensive parks, especially after dark, stick to well-lit main paths and avoid isolated shortcuts.
2. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and transport hubs to deter opportunistic theft and pickpocketing.
3. If you are out in the evening, try to travel with friends or use reputable local taxi services to ensure you get home safely.
4. Ensure your home and vehicle are always locked and secure; visible security measures can be a strong deterrent to opportunistic offenders.
5. Trust your instincts—if a situation or location feels uncomfortable, move to a busier, well-lit area immediately.
6. Engaging with local Neighbourhood Watch groups can help you stay informed about any local safety issues and foster a more secure community.