Waltham Forest Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest records an overall crime rate of 110.2 per 1,000 residents annually, positioning it slightly above the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. The area's safety score stands at 77 out of 100, aligning closely with the UK average of 78. This indicates a generally stable environment, with recent trends showing a marginal decrease in crime. Over the past year, Waltham Forest has experienced a stable trend, with a -3.7% change in overall crime, suggesting a consistent pattern in local safety. This introduction sets the stage for a deeper analysis of specific crime types, trends, and comparisons with nearby areas, offering residents and prospective movers a comprehensive overview of the local crime landscape.

About Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest is a vibrant and diverse London borough, characterised by a mix of urban and suburban environments. Its strategic location within Greater London, with excellent transport links including the Victoria Line and Overground services, makes it a significant commuter hub. This connectivity, alongside its bustling town centres like Walthamstow and Leytonstone, contributes to a dynamic atmosphere. The borough features extensive residential areas, complemented by commercial districts and green spaces such as Epping Forest. The population density and the presence of various retail and entertainment venues can influence crime statistics. While a thriving community, areas with high footfall and transient populations, often associated with transport hubs and nightlife, can see elevated levels of certain crime types. The borough's continuous development and diverse demographic profile also play a role in shaping its unique crime landscape.

Crime Type Analysis in Waltham Forest

An analysis of crime types in Waltham Forest reveals that Anti-social behaviour is the most prevalent, accounting for 6,908 incidents, or 24.7 per 1,000 residents. This is closely followed by Violence and sexual offences, with 6,768 reported crimes, equating to 24.2 per 1,000. Vehicle crime ranks as the third most common offence, with 3,096 incidents, or 11.1 per 1,000 residents.

Focusing on property-related crime, Waltham Forest experiences a rate of 48.2 per 1,000 people per year, which is higher than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses a range of offences including burglary (1,251 crimes, 4.5 per 1,000), other theft (2,309 crimes, 8.2 per 1,000), vehicle crime (3,096 crimes, 11.1 per 1000), and theft from the person (1,697 crimes, 6.1 per 1,000). Criminal damage and arson also contribute with 1,606 incidents (5.7 per 1,000), alongside robbery (897 crimes, 3.2 per 1,000) and bicycle theft (420 crimes, 1.5 per 1,000). These figures indicate that residents and homeowners in Waltham Forest should be particularly mindful of securing their property and vehicles, as these crime types represent a significant portion of the local crime landscape.

Crime Trends in Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a -3.7% year-over-year change in total crimes. This indicates a slight decrease in overall crime, suggesting a consistent level of safety in the area. Looking at the monthly trend data, crime rates per 1,000 residents fluctuated. October 2024 saw a rate of 10.4, which then dipped to 8.8 in December 2024 and further to a low of 7.9 in February 2025. Following this, there was a gradual increase, reaching 9.8 in May and July 2025, before settling at 8.8 in September 2025. This pattern suggests that while there are monthly variations, the overall trajectory remains stable, with no significant spikes or drops. For residents, this stable trend means that the general crime environment is not deteriorating rapidly, but awareness and continued vigilance regarding personal and property safety remain important given the overall crime rate.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When comparing Waltham Forest to its neighbouring areas, a regional context for crime rates emerges. Waltham Forest's overall crime rate of 110.2 per 1,000 is higher than some nearby boroughs, such as Redbridge, which generally has a lower crime profile. However, it is broadly comparable to other inner London boroughs like Hackney (a well-known vibrant area) and Haringey, which often face similar urban challenges including higher population densities and diverse socio-economic factors. Enfield, located to the north, typically presents a slightly different crime landscape, often with a mix of urban and suburban crime patterns. Newham, to the south, is another inner-city borough with a dynamic environment and often sees crime rates reflecting its urban character and transport links. Islington, further west, is a more affluent area but still contends with urban crime issues. This comparison highlights that while Waltham Forest has its specific crime statistics, it shares commonalities with its London neighbours, offering residents a clearer understanding of local safety within the broader regional context.

Protecting Your Property in Waltham Forest

Given Waltham Forest's property crime rate of 48.2 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average, it’s essential to consider robust home security measures. While traditional CCTV cameras offer valuable footage after an incident, their reactive nature means they record a burglary rather than preventing it. Instead, focus on proactive prevention to deter potential intruders before they gain access to your property.

For those seeking advanced protection, consider an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS. Unlike systems that merely notify you after the fact, scOS is designed to detect threats at your property boundary, stopping crime before it happens. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, ensuring no blind spots, and can even catch fake vehicle plates instantly with DVLA verification. By learning your routines, scOS differentiates between family, deliveries, and genuine threats, only alerting you when necessary. This autonomous response, activating lights and engaging speakers, destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. Most burglars decide to move on within 60 seconds if faced with visible and active deterrence, making professional-grade equipment a powerful deterrent. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively stopping threats at your property line is another, providing real peace of mind for residents in Waltham Forest.