Wandsworth Crime Rate

Wandsworth is a generally safe and popular London borough, boasting a safety score of 78/100. Its overall crime rate stands at 100.8 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly above the UK average of 91.6. The local crime trend is currently stable, with a minor 2.4% increase recorded over the last year. Covering the period from Jan 2025 to Dec 2025, the data reveals that while Wandsworth is a secure place to live, it experiences a higher volume of property-related offences than the national average, particularly in its busy urban centres. This analysis provides Wandsworth residents with a detailed look at local crime types, trends, and practical advice on how to maintain their personal and property security in this vibrant London borough.

About Wandsworth

Wandsworth is a diverse and densely populated borough in South West London, characterized by a mix of affluent residential areas, bustling commercial centres, and significant transport hubs. The area's crime statistics are influenced by its high population density and its status as a major destination for shopping, dining, and nightlife, particularly in areas like Clapham Junction, Putney, and Wandsworth Town. These busy urban centres naturally attract a higher volume of opportunistic crime, such as theft and anti-social behaviour.

The borough's demographics include a large transient population of young professionals and commuters, which can contribute to higher crime rates in transit-rich zones. Additionally, Wandsworth's extensive parklands, like Wandsworth Common and Battersea Park, while providing valuable green space, can also be focal points for certain types of crime after dark. Economic factors also play a role; while the borough contains some of London's most expensive real estate, it also has pockets of social housing, creating a socio-economic mix that can influence local crime patterns. The presence of major railway stations and thoroughfares further contributes to the area's crime profile, as these hubs often see elevated levels of public order and vehicle-related offences.

Crime in Wandsworth

In Wandsworth, the criminal landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 8,213 recorded incidents, representing 24.1% of all local crime. This is closely followed by anti-social behaviour at 22.2% (7,554 crimes) and vehicle crime at 8.7% (2,956 crimes). These three categories together represent over half of all police activity in the borough, suggesting that interpersonal issues and community nuisances are the most prevalent concerns.

Property-related crime in Wandsworth—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and various forms of theft—occurs at a rate of 43.1 per 1,000 residents. This is notably higher than the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, vehicle crime is the most significant concern (8.8 per 1,000), followed by shoplifting (8.4 per 1,000) and other theft (8.2 per 1,000). Burglary is also a notable issue, with 1,610 incidents recorded at a rate of 4.8 per 1,000 people. For homeowners and residents, these statistics indicate a persistent risk of property-related offences, particularly those targeting vehicles and commercial premises. The relatively high rate of theft from the person (4.3 per 1,000) also suggests that residents should be vigilant in busy public spaces. Overall, while Wandsworth is a safe borough with a score of 78/100, the elevated property crime rate highlights the need for robust home and vehicle security.

Wandsworth's crime trend is currently stable, with a minor year-over-year increase of 2.4%. Throughout 2025, the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated, starting at 7.5 in January and reaching its highest points in the summer, with 9.6 in both June and July. Activity remained elevated through the autumn, peaking again at 9.3 in August and 9.0 in October, before tapering off slightly towards the end of the year. This seasonal pattern, with higher activity in the warmer months, is typical for an urban area and likely reflects increased public movement and social activity. Despite these monthly fluctuations, the overall volume of crime has remained consistent with previous years. For residents, this stability is a positive sign, indicating that the borough's safety landscape is predictable and not experiencing any significant or rapid shifts in criminal activity.

In the context of South West London, Wandsworth offers a balanced safety profile. While its crime rate of 100.8 per 1,000 is higher than the exceptionally quiet boroughs of Merton and Richmond upon Thames, it is significantly safer than neighbouring Lambeth, Kensington and Chelsea, and Westminster. For residents and prospective movers, Wandsworth represents a middle ground for London safety—more active than the leafiest suburbs but much more secure than the high-intensity urban centres to the north and east. This regional context confirms Wandsworth's reputation as a stable and relatively low-risk borough compared to its immediate inner-London neighbours, making it an attractive residential choice for many.

With a property crime rate of 43.1 per 1,000, Wandsworth residents should consider a more advanced approach to security than traditional reactive systems. While standard DIY cameras provide footage of a crime as it happens, they often do little to prevent the initial incident. In a high-density urban environment like Wandsworth, a proactive system like scOS is far more effective. scOS uses AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter in real-time. It can distinguish between routine urban movement and a genuine threat, such as someone loitering near your home or vehicle. When a threat is identified, the system can autonomously activate deterrents like security lights or audio warnings. This immediate response is designed to stop a crime before it begins, which is a crucial advantage in an area with elevated property and vehicle crime. For Wandsworth homeowners, professional-grade proactive security provides a significant layer of protection, ensuring your home remains a hard target and helping to maintain the borough's overall safety.

How To Keep Safe in Wandsworth

The most common crime type in Wandsworth is violence and sexual offences. While the borough is generally safe, taking proactive steps for personal security is recommended in its busy urban centres.

1. When out at night, especially in active areas like Clapham Junction or Putney, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid unlit shortcuts through parks or backstreets.
2. Given the high rate of vehicle crime (8.8 per 1,000), always ensure your car is locked and that no valuables are left on display. If possible, use secure, well-lit parking areas.
3. Be vigilant in crowded public spaces and on public transport to protect yourself from theft from the person, which accounts for 4.3% of total crime in the borough.
4. Use motion-activated lighting around the perimeter of your home. This is a powerful deterrent against opportunistic burglars and individuals engaged in anti-social behaviour.
5. Stay informed about local safety issues by joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or following the Metropolitan Police's local social media updates for the Wandsworth area.