Waltham Forest Crime Rate

Waltham Forest, a busy London borough, has an overall crime rate of 107.8 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 91.7. However, the borough maintains a strong safety score of 77/100, significantly outperforming the national average of 50. The most encouraging data point is the recent trend, which shows a 6.6% decrease in crime year-over-year based on data from December 2024 to November 2025. With a population of over 279,000, Waltham Forest's statistics reflect its status as a densely populated urban area. This analysis provides a detailed look at the local crime data to help residents and visitors understand the safety landscape and the types of offences most common in the borough.

About Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest is a culturally diverse borough in North-East London, stretching from the urban centres of Leyton and Walthamstow to the green expanses of Epping Forest. As a major residential area, it features a mix of high-density urban housing and more suburban neighbourhoods. The borough is home to several large retail hubs, most notably Walthamstow Market—one of the longest outdoor markets in Europe—and has seen significant regeneration in recent years.

The crime statistics in Waltham Forest are influenced by its dense population and its role as a key transport link into central London. Economically, the area is vibrant but faces challenges related to social inequality, which can impact crime rates. The large retail sector and the borough's active evening economy contribute to higher reported figures for anti-social behaviour and theft-related offences. Additionally, as a popular residential area for commuters, vehicle crime is a persistent issue. Understanding these urban and demographic factors is essential for contextualising the local crime rate and safety score relative to other London boroughs.

Crime in Waltham Forest

In Waltham Forest, the crime landscape is led by anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 22.8% of all reports with 6,884 incidents. Violence and sexual offences follow very closely at 22.6%, with vehicle crime being the third most common at 9.2%. These figures reflect the challenges of a busy London borough, where social issues and property-related offences are prominent.

Property crime is a significant concern for residents and business owners, with a rate of 46.1 per 1,000 people. This includes 2,762 vehicle crimes, 2,319 'other theft' reports, and 2,219 shoplifting offences. Burglary accounts for 4.1% of the total crime, with 1,241 reports. While the overall crime rate is slightly above the UK average, the property crime rate is notably higher than the national average of 32.3. For homeowners, this indicates that while anti-social behaviour is the most frequent category, the cumulative risk of vehicle crime, theft, or burglary is a daily reality. Robust security measures are essential in such an environment to protect assets and provide peace of mind in a busy urban setting.

Crime Trends in Waltham Forest

The crime trend in Waltham Forest is currently on a positive trajectory, with a year-over-year decrease of 6.6%. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a relatively stable crime rate per 1,000 residents throughout the year. The year began with a rate of 8.8 in December, followed by a low of 7.9 in February.

Activity picked up slightly in the spring and summer, with the rate peaking at 9.8 in May and July 2025. However, it remained consistently around the 9.0 mark for most of the year, ending at 9.1 in November. This steady performance and the absence of any major spikes suggest that crime in the borough is being effectively managed. For residents, this downward trend is reassuring and indicates that the area is becoming safer over time. Continued community vigilance and the use of robust security measures can help sustain this positive direction and further improve the safety of Waltham Forest for all its residents.

When comparing Waltham Forest to its nearby London boroughs, the difference in reported crime is notable. Neighbouring areas such as Hackney, Haringey, Redbridge, Enfield, Newham, and Islington all reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people in the latest data period. While this likely reflects differences in reporting or specific data capture periods, it highlights Waltham Forest's position as a primary urban centre with high activity for the region. For those considering the wider North-East London area, Waltham Forest offers extensive amenities and transport links, but with the higher crime rate typical of such environments compared to its immediate neighbours in this data set. In contrast, the surrounding areas appear significantly quieter for residents.

In an urban environment like Waltham Forest, where the property crime rate is 46.1 per 1,000, protecting your home requires a proactive strategy. Most traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or DIY cameras, are reactive—they only provide footage after a crime has been committed. While this might help with a police report, it does nothing to prevent the trauma and loss associated with a break-in or theft.

A more effective approach is proactive protection using AI-powered systems like scOS. By monitoring your property boundaries in real-time, scOS can detect a threat before it reaches your door. Whether it's spotting unusual behaviour or identifying a potential risk, the system can autonomously respond with lights and audio alerts, deterring the criminal instantly. In a borough where vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour are common, protecting your home with a system that prioritises prevention over recording is the most robust way to ensure your property remains secure. By stopping a threat before it crosses your threshold, you are taking a significant step towards long-term personal and property safety.

How To Keep Safe in Waltham Forest

The most common crime in Waltham Forest is anti-social behaviour, accounting for 22.8% of all reports. As a busy London borough, personal safety and community awareness are key considerations for everyone in the area.

To stay safe, it is advisable to stick to well-lit and busy areas, especially when walking at night. If you are using public transport or walking home late, plan your journey in advance and try to stay with others where possible. Being aware of your surroundings and avoiding distractions like mobile phones can also significantly reduce your risk of becoming a target for opportunistic crime.

Regarding property, the high rate of vehicle crime and other thefts indicates that opportunistic theft is a persistent risk. Always secure your home and vehicle, and never leave valuables on display in parked cars. If you live in a high-traffic area, consider installing a visible and professional security system to act as a deterrent. Engaging with local community safety initiatives or Neighbourhood Watch schemes can also help you stay informed about local activity and build a more secure environment for everyone.