Southwark Crime Rate

Southwark has a high overall crime rate of 154.1 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly above the UK average of 91.6. Despite this, the area maintains a safety score of 66/100, which is above the UK baseline of 50, indicating a manageable environment for its large population. The crime trend in Southwark is currently stable, with a negligible 0.8% decrease year-over-year. This consistency suggests that while the frequency of incidents is high, it is not experiencing a major surge. The following data provides a detailed look at the crime statistics for Southwark from January 2025 to December 2025, offering insights into the specific challenges faced by this central London local authority.

Southwark is a central London borough with a diverse and complex crime profile. As a major urban area, it contains significant commercial districts, high-density residential neighbourhoods, and world-renowned tourist attractions like the Tate Modern and Borough Market. The borough's crime statistics are influenced by its high transient population, which includes millions of tourists, commuters, and students. Major transport hubs like London Bridge and Elephant & Castle create environments where opportunistic crimes, such as theft from the person, are more frequent. Additionally, Southwark has a vibrant nightlife scene, particularly around the South Bank and Bermondsey, which can contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and public order offences in the evening. Economic disparities within the borough also play a role, with affluent areas sitting alongside some of the most deprived wards in London. This mix of high footfall, commercial activity, and urban density creates a environment where both personal and property crimes are statistically more likely to occur than in suburban or rural areas.

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime in Southwark, accounting for 20.5% of all reports. This is closely followed by anti-social behaviour at 19.8% and theft from the person at 14.2%. When examining property-related crime as a whole—including burglary, robbery, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—the rate is 77.0 per 1,000 residents. This is more than double the UK national average of 32.2. For homeowners and residents, this means that property crime is a very high risk, with theft from the person and other forms of theft being particularly prevalent. While burglary represents 5.2% of the total, the overall high frequency of property offences makes robust home and personal security an absolute necessity in Southwark.

The crime trend in Southwark is stable, showing a very minor 0.8% decrease in total crimes year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates peaked in June at 14.0 per 1,000 and July at 13.9. The lowest point of the year was in February, which saw a rate of 11.1. Other months generally hovered between 12.2 and 13.7. This overall stability is a positive indicator for the community, suggesting that despite the high levels of crime, local safety initiatives and policing are effectively maintaining a consistent environment without significant new surges in criminal activity.

Southwark is part of a central London region with very high crime levels. It has a slightly higher crime rate than nearby Lambeth (149.5). Other neighbouring areas such as Lewisham, City of London, Tower Hamlets, Westminster, and Greenwich reported no crimes in the comparable data set, though this is likely due to reporting boundaries. For residents and visitors, Southwark represents a typical central London borough with high footfall and associated urban crime risks, requiring a higher level of personal and property awareness than suburban or rural areas.

In an area like Southwark, where the property crime rate is more than double the national average, traditional security measures are often insufficient. Standard CCTV systems are reactive; they record a crime after it has already occurred, which does little to prevent loss in a high-crime environment. scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI to detect potential threats at the property boundary. For Southwark residents, this means that an intruder or unauthorised person can be identified and deterred before they even reach a door or window. scOS uses autonomous responses, such as activating floodlights or audible warnings, to stop a crime in its tracks. In a community with such high crime levels, a visible scOS installation serves as a powerful deterrent. By choosing proactive protection over reactive recording, you are investing in a system that prevents your property from becoming a statistic. Professional-grade AI security signals a level of protection that makes opportunistic criminals move on to less secure targets. Moving from recording a crime to preventing one is the most effective way to safeguard your home in Southwark.

How To Keep Safe in Southwark

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Southwark, accounting for over 20% of all reports. To maintain your personal safety, it is essential to be highly aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone in busy or isolated areas. Stick to well-lit, familiar routes. Theft from the person is also a major concern, particularly in high-footfall areas like transport hubs and tourist attractions; keep your valuables secure and out of sight. For home security, robust locks and motion-activated lighting are basic necessities. Installing a professional security system that provides real-time boundary detection can offer an early warning of suspicious activity. It is also beneficial to get to know your neighbours and participate in local community safety initiatives. Given the high crime rate, staying vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the police promptly is essential. For vehicle security, always use a steering lock and ensure no valuables are left on display. Keeping a mobile phone fully charged and letting someone know your plans when out are also sensible precautions. Additionally, being mindful of your belongings in cafes and restaurants can prevent opportunistic theft.