Waltham Forest Crime Rate

Waltham Forest currently records an overall crime rate of 107.5 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK national average of 91.6. However, the borough maintains a strong safety score of 77/100, placing it very close to the UK average of 79/100 and indicating a relatively high perception of safety among the local population. Encouragingly, the recent trend shows that crime is decreasing, with a 6.6% reduction in total incidents year-over-year. This suggests that while the volume of crime in this London borough is significant, the situation is improving. This report provides a detailed breakdown of local crime statistics to help residents and businesses understand and navigate the safety landscape of Waltham Forest.

About Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest is a diverse and predominantly residential London borough, characterised by a mix of Victorian terraces and modern developments. The area's crime statistics are influenced by several key factors, including its high population density and its role as a significant transport hub for North East London. Major commercial centres like Walthamstow, with its famous market and shopping facilities, attract high volumes of transient visitors and shoppers, which can contribute to theft and anti-social behaviour figures.

The borough also features significant green spaces, such as parts of Epping Forest and the Walthamstow Wetlands, which provide a contrast to the more industrialised zones in the Lea Valley. Economic diversity across the borough means that crime patterns vary between neighbourhoods. The presence of a vibrant nightlife and numerous local employers creates a dynamic urban environment. These characteristics, combined with the borough's excellent connectivity to Central London, result in a crime profile typical of an outer London borough with both suburban and inner-city traits.

Crime in Waltham Forest

The crime profile in Waltham Forest is lead by anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual offences, and vehicle crime. Anti-social behaviour is the most frequent report, making up 22.8% of total crime with 6,867 incidents. This is closely followed by violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 22.6% of the borough's criminal activity. Vehicle crime is also a significant concern for residents, with 2,679 cases recorded annually.

Property crime in Waltham Forest, which includes burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, occurs at a rate of 45.7 per 1,000 people. While anti-social behaviour and violent crime are the top individual categories, the high volume of vehicle-related offences and various forms of theft means that property protection remains a critical priority for local homeowners and businesses. The cumulative impact of these property crimes represents a substantial portion of the total offences in the borough.

Crime Trends in Waltham Forest

The crime rate in Waltham Forest is currently showing a positive downward trend, with a year-over-year decrease of 6.6%. This reduction indicates that the borough is becoming safer overall. Examining the monthly data for 2025, we see that the year started with relatively low rates of 8.2 in January and 7.9 in February. There was a noticeable increase in activity during the spring and summer, with peaks of 9.8 recorded in both May and July.

Following the summer peak, the crime rate fluctuated slightly but generally trended downwards towards the end of the year, finishing at 8.5 in December. This seasonal pattern, with higher crime rates during the warmer months, is common in urban areas. The overall 6.6% decrease is a significant achievement, suggesting that local safety initiatives and policing are effectively reducing the volume of incidents. For residents, this trend offers reassurance that the borough's safety profile is moving in the right direction.

In the context of North East London, Waltham Forest occupies a middle ground. While direct data for immediate neighbours like Hackney, Haringey, Redbridge, Enfield, Newham, and Islington shows 0.0 crimes per 1,000 in this specific period (likely due to reporting variations), Waltham Forest's rate of 107.5 provides a clear benchmark for the region. Historically, Waltham Forest is often viewed as a safer, more residential alternative to the more central boroughs of Hackney and Islington, while sharing similar urban challenges with Haringey and Newham. The borough's safety score of 77/100 suggests it remains a resilient and relatively secure part of the capital, especially as it continues to see an overall reduction in criminal activity.

With a property crime rate of 45.7 per 1,000 people in Waltham Forest, residents should consider moving beyond traditional reactive security. Standard CCTV cameras and DIY doorbells often only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. In an urban environment where vehicle crime and burglary are persistent, proactive protection is a more effective strategy. The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter, scOS can identify suspicious patterns—such as someone testing car door handles or loitering near a side gate—and distinguish them from normal neighbourhood activity. When a genuine threat is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting or audible alerts. This immediate intervention often stops a potential burglar in their tracks, as they prefer easy, unmonitored targets. For Waltham Forest homeowners, this shift from recording a crime to preventing it provides true peace of mind.

How To Keep Safe in Waltham Forest

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is the most frequently reported issue in Waltham Forest, often impacting the quality of life in local neighbourhoods. While ASB covers a wide range of activities, staying informed and proactive can help maintain a safe environment for everyone.

Residents are encouraged to report persistent ASB to the local council or police, as this help authorities identify "hotspots" for increased patrols. When out in public, particularly in busy areas like Walthamstow Central, remain aware of your surroundings and keep personal belongings secure to deter opportunistic theft. If you encounter groups engaging in intimidating behaviour, it is best to keep your distance and report the incident when safe to do so.

For home safety, joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can be highly effective in Waltham Forest. These groups foster community spirit and provide a collective deterrent against crime. Ensuring your street is well-lit and reporting broken streetlights to the council also helps reduce the environment where ASB and other crimes flourish. By staying connected with your neighbours and reporting issues promptly, you contribute to a safer borough for all.