Local Area Crime Statistics

Westminster Crime Rate

Crime is stable and HIGH in Westminster

Discover Westminster's crime rate of 485.5 per 1,000 residents, significantly higher than the UK average. Get detailed crime statistics and safety insights for the area.

Overall Crime Rate

485.5
per 1,000 people
420% higher than UK avg

Property Crime Rate

325.3
per 1,000 people
880% higher than UK avg

Based on population of 209,996 over 12 months

Crime Statistics Summary for Westminster

Data last updated: September 2025. Source: Police.uk, ONS, Home Office.

Crime rates per 1,000 people in Westminster
Overall Crime Rate485.5 per 1,000 people
Property Crime Rate325.3 per 1,000 people
UK Average Crime Rate93.4 per 1,000 people
UK Average Property Crime Rate33.2 per 1,000 people
Safety Score4 out of 100
Population209,996
Trendstable
Comparisonsignificantly higher than UK average
Crime Breakdown by Type in Westminster
Crime TypeTotal CountPer 1,000 PeoplePercentage of Total
Theft from the person29,314139.629%
Other theft17,58283.717%
Anti-social behaviour13,75965.514%
Violence and sexual offences13,0236213%
Shoplifting7,45335.57%
Vehicle crime3,95718.84%
Robbery3,58417.14%
Public order3,53016.83%
Burglary2,91313.93%
Drugs2,529122%
Criminal damage and arson2,49211.92%
Bicycle theft1,0184.81%
Other crime5252.51%
Possession of weapons2731.30%

Introduction to Crime in Westminster

Westminster, a central London borough with a population of 209,996, records an overall crime rate of 485.5 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is substantially higher than the national UK average of 93.4 per 1,000, placing Westminster at a lower safety score of 4 out of 100, compared to the UK average of 78. Property crime in the area stands at 325.3 per 1,000 residents, also significantly above the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. Over the past year, the crime trend in Westminster has remained stable, showing a slight decrease of 3.4% year-over-year. These statistics provide a comprehensive overview of the current safety landscape within the borough, setting the context for a more detailed analysis of specific crime types and trends.

Westminster Safety Score

4
High Risk
Safety Score out of 100

Westminster's safety score is below the UK average. Protect what matters most with AI that thinks ahead of criminals.

0-20
20-40
40-60
60-80
80-100

Crime Rates Across Westminster

City of Westminster

434.1
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Crime Rate Risk Levels

Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

About the Westminster Area and its Crime Statistics

Westminster is a uniquely dynamic and densely populated urban area, and its characteristics significantly influence its crime statistics. As a major global city centre, it encompasses a vast array of commercial, governmental, cultural, and residential zones. The borough is home to iconic landmarks, numerous tourist attractions, world-renowned shopping districts, and a vibrant nightlife, particularly in the West End. These factors lead to an exceptionally high daily transient population of commuters, tourists, and visitors, far exceeding its resident population. Major transport hubs like Victoria, Paddington, and Charing Cross also contribute to constant high footfall. The concentration of valuable goods, high-end retail, and crowded public spaces creates opportunities for opportunistic crimes such as theft. While Westminster also includes affluent residential neighbourhoods, the sheer volume of activity and diverse populations contribute to a crime rate that is notably higher than many other parts of the UK.

Crime Types Breakdown

Theft from the person
29,314 incidents (139.6 per 1,000)
Other theft
17,582 incidents (83.7 per 1,000)
Anti-social behaviour
13,759 incidents (65.5 per 1,000)
Violence and sexual offences
13,023 incidents (62 per 1,000)
Shoplifting
7,453 incidents (35.5 per 1,000)
Vehicle crime
3,957 incidents (18.8 per 1,000)
Robbery
3,584 incidents (17.1 per 1,000)
Public order
3,530 incidents (16.8 per 1,000)
Burglary
2,913 incidents (13.9 per 1,000)
Drugs
2,529 incidents (12 per 1,000)
Criminal damage and arson
2,492 incidents (11.9 per 1,000)
Bicycle theft
1,018 incidents (4.8 per 1,000)
Other crime
525 incidents (2.5 per 1,000)
Possession of weapons
273 incidents (1.3 per 1,000)

Crime Rate Trend

↓ 20.8% change(over 12 months)
Westminster
UK Average

Compare Westminster with similar populations

Westminster has a 419.8% higher crime rate than the UK average.

Crime Type Analysis in Westminster

An in-depth look at crime in Westminster reveals that 'Theft from the person' is the most prevalent offence, accounting for 28.8% of all crimes with a rate of 139.6 per 1,000 residents. This is closely followed by 'Other theft' at 17.2% (83.7 per 1,000) and 'Anti-social behaviour' at 13.5% (65.5 per 1,000). These three categories collectively represent a significant portion of the criminal activity in the borough. Property-related crime, encompassing offences such as burglary, theft from the person, other theft, vehicle crime, robbery, criminal damage and arson, and bicycle theft, constitutes a substantial 67.0% of all reported crimes in Westminster, with a rate of 325.3 per 1,000 residents. This high proportion of property crime highlights the importance of personal vigilance and robust security measures for both residents and visitors. Homeowners and businesses in Westminster should be particularly mindful of securing their premises and belongings, given the elevated rates of theft and related offences in the area.

Crime Trends in Westminster

Over the past year, Westminster has experienced a stable crime trend, with a minor decrease of 3.4% in overall crime year-over-year. Examining the monthly data provides further insight into these patterns. Crime rates per 1,000 residents saw a notable increase towards the end of 2024, peaking at 49.7 in December, following 49.2 in November and 44.2 in October. This seasonal rise is often observed in urban centres during festive periods. However, the new year brought a significant drop, with rates falling to 39.2 in January 2025 and 38.0 in February. Throughout the spring and summer of 2025, the rates remained relatively consistent, fluctuating between 37.5 and 39.6, before reaching a lower point of 35.0 in September. This suggests that while there are monthly variations, the overall picture indicates a sustained effort to manage crime levels, maintaining a stable environment for residents despite the high baseline.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

When considering the crime landscape of Westminster, it is insightful to compare its statistics with neighbouring areas. Kensington and Chelsea, while generally affluent, shares some of Westminster's urban characteristics and visitor numbers, likely influencing its crime profile. Camden, to the north, is another busy London borough known for its markets and nightlife, which often correlate with higher rates of theft and anti-social behaviour. The City of London, primarily a financial district, has a very different demographic and activity pattern, with crime often concentrated during business hours. To the east, Islington presents a mix of residential and commercial areas. Westwards, Hammersmith and Fulham offers a more suburban feel in parts but also contains busy transport links. Finally, Lambeth, south of the river, is a diverse borough with varying socio-economic factors impacting its crime rates. Understanding these regional differences provides valuable context, indicating that Westminster’s unique position as a central hub for commerce, tourism, and entertainment contributes to its distinct crime statistics compared to its neighbours.

Protecting Your Property in Westminster

Given Westminster's elevated property crime rate of 325.3 per 1,000 residents, proactive security measures are paramount for homeowners and businesses. While traditional CCTV systems can provide valuable footage after an incident, their reactive nature means they often record a burglary rather than preventing it. For genuine protection, a shift towards proactive, intelligent security is essential. Consider systems like scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. Unlike basic DIY systems that merely notify you after a breach, scOS detects threats at your property boundary using multi-camera intelligence that never blinks. It learns your routines, recognising family and deliveries, only alerting you to real threats. Features like autonomous response, where lights activate and speakers engage, are designed to destroy an intruder's element of surprise and make them move on within those critical 60 seconds when most burglars decide. Professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, providing a significant deterrent compared to systems that simply record events. Investing in a proactive security solution can significantly enhance your property's safety in Westminster, moving beyond simply documenting crime to actively stopping it.

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About Our Crime Statistics

Official government data sources for Westminster

4,392+
UK Locations Monitored
19M+
Data Records
100%
Government Sources

Crime Rate Methodology

We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.

Information Sources

Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.

Mathematical Formula

Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000

We exclusively use official UK government information sources:

  • Police.uk — Recorded crime data from England and Wales' 43 territorial police forces
  • Office for National Statistics — Demographic data and Crime Survey statistics
  • Home Office — National offence records and crime policy information
  • FOI Requests — Supplementary data from direct police force requests
We monitor crime data across 4,392+ locations throughout England and Wales, covering the majority of significant towns, cities, and county areas. Greater Manchester locations are presently excluded due to data access limitations. Updates occur promptly following new official data releases (approximately bimonthly), with historical records preserved for trend tracking.
Police.ukONSHome OfficeFOI

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Last updated: September 2025

New data is released by Police.uk approximately every two months

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