Crime Statistics

City of Westminster Crime Rate

-3.4%year-over-year

Crime is stable and HIGH in City of Westminster

Explore the City of Westminster's crime rate of 434.0 per 1,000 residents, offering detailed statistics and safety insights for this urban area.

Overall Crime Rate

434.1
Crimes per 1,000 people
stable trend

Property Crime Rate

290.8
Property crimes per 1,000 people
Includes burglary, theft, vandalism

How City of Westminster Compares to UK Average

Overall Crime:434.1vs 93.4 UK avg
+340.7 per 1,000 people
Property Crime:290.8vs 33.2 UK avg
+257.6 per 1,000 people

City of Westminster's crime rate is significantly higher than UK average

Based on population of 234,888 over 12 months

Crime Statistics Summary for City of Westminster

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

Crime rates per 1,000 people in City of Westminster
Overall Crime Rate434.1 per 1,000 people
Property Crime Rate290.8 per 1,000 people
UK Average Crime Rate93.4 per 1,000 people
UK Average Property Crime Rate33.2 per 1,000 people
Safety Score11 out of 100
Population234,888
Trendstable
Comparisonsignificantly higher than UK average
Crime Breakdown by Type in City of Westminster
Crime TypeTotal CountPer 1,000 PeoplePercentage of Total
Theft from the person29,314124.829%
Other theft17,58274.817%
Anti-social behaviour13,75958.614%
Violence and sexual offences13,02355.413%
Shoplifting7,45331.77%
Vehicle crime3,95716.94%
Robbery3,58415.34%
Public order3,530153%
Burglary2,91312.43%
Drugs2,52910.82%
Criminal damage and arson2,49210.62%
Bicycle theft1,0184.31%
Other crime5252.21%
Possession of weapons2731.20%

Introduction to Crime in the City of Westminster

The urban settlement known as the City of Westminster, with a population of 234,888, reports an overall crime rate of 434.0 per 1,000 residents annually. This rate is considerably higher than the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000, resulting in a safety score of 11 out of 100, significantly below the UK average of 78. Property crime, a key concern, stands at 290.8 per 1,000 residents, far exceeding the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. Despite these figures, the area has seen a stable trend in crime over the last year, with a minor decrease of 3.4% year-over-year. This introduction provides a foundational understanding of the crime statistics within the City of Westminster, paving the way for a more detailed examination of specific crime patterns and types.

City of Westminster Safety Score

11
High Risk
Safety Score out of 100

City of 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

Most Common Crimes in City of Westminster

#1

Theft from the person

Percentage:29%
Per 1,000:124.8
Total:29,314
#2

Other theft

Percentage:17%
Per 1,000:74.8
Total:17,582
#3

Anti-social behaviour

Percentage:14%
Per 1,000:58.6
Total:13,759
#4

Violence and sexual offences

Percentage:13%
Per 1,000:55.4
Total:13,023
#5

Shoplifting

Percentage:7%
Per 1,000:31.7
Total:7,453

Protect Against These Threats

scOS security systems are designed to detect and deter the most common crimes in your area, providing 24/7 autonomous protection.

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Crime Type Analysis in the City of Westminster

Within the City of Westminster, 'Theft from the person' is the most prevalent crime, accounting for 28.8% of all offences, with a rate of 124.8 per 1,000 residents. Following this is 'Other theft' at 17.2% (74.8 per 1,000), and 'Anti-social behaviour' at 13.5% (58.6 per 1,000). These three categories collectively represent the majority of reported criminal activity in this built-up area. Property-related crime, which includes offences such as burglary, theft from the person, other theft, vehicle crime, robbery, criminal damage and arson, and bicycle theft, makes up a substantial 67.0% of all reported crimes, with a rate of 290.8 per 1,000 residents. This high proportion underscores the need for vigilance among residents and property owners. Understanding these dominant crime types is crucial for implementing effective preventative measures and enhancing personal and property security within the City of Westminster.

Crime Types Breakdown

Theft from the person
29,314 incidents (124.8 per 1,000)
Other theft
17,582 incidents (74.8 per 1,000)
Anti-social behaviour
13,759 incidents (58.6 per 1,000)
Violence and sexual offences
13,023 incidents (55.4 per 1,000)
Shoplifting
7,453 incidents (31.7 per 1,000)
Vehicle crime
3,957 incidents (16.9 per 1,000)
Robbery
3,584 incidents (15.3 per 1,000)
Public order
3,530 incidents (15 per 1,000)
Burglary
2,913 incidents (12.4 per 1,000)
Drugs
2,529 incidents (10.8 per 1,000)
Criminal damage and arson
2,492 incidents (10.6 per 1,000)
Bicycle theft
1,018 incidents (4.3 per 1,000)
Other crime
525 incidents (2.2 per 1,000)
Possession of weapons
273 incidents (1.2 per 1,000)

Crime Rate Trend

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

Compare City of Westminster with similar populations

City of Westminster has a 364.8% higher crime rate than the UK average.

Crime Trends in the City of Westminster

The City of Westminster has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, marked by a 3.4% decrease in overall crime year-over-year. A closer look at the monthly data reveals specific patterns. Crime rates per 1,000 residents showed an upward trend towards the end of 2024, reaching a peak of 44.4 in December, following 44.0 in November and 39.5 in October. This typical late-year increase is often associated with heightened activity during the festive season. However, the beginning of 2025 saw a notable decline, with rates falling to 35.0 in January and 34.0 in February. Throughout the subsequent months, rates generally stabilised, fluctuating between 33.5 and 35.4, before reaching their lowest point in this period at 31.3 in September. This trend indicates a consistent, albeit slight, improvement in crime levels within the City of Westminster.

When Do Crimes Happen in City of Westminster?

Understanding peak crime times helps you stay vigilant and secure your property when it matters most.

Simulated Data

This heatmap shows estimated crime patterns based on City of Westminster's crime statistics, crime type distribution, and general knowledge of when different crimes typically occur. This is not real historical data for specific times.

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Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Crime Likelihood:
Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

Pro Tip: Burglaries peak on weekday evenings (6pm-midnight) and during work hours (10am-3pm) when homes appear empty. scOS smart security stays alert around the clock — detecting threats instantly, whether you're home or away.

What Types of Crime Happen When in City of Westminster?

Different crimes occur at different times. This breakdown shows which crime types dominate each time period.

Based on Crime-Type Weighted Model

Morning

6am - 12pm

Theft88%
Other7%
Vehicle Crime4%
Burglary3%
Violence0%

Morning hours in City of Westminster are dominated by theft, likely due to increased commercial activity.

Afternoon

12pm - 6pm

Theft86%
Other7%
Burglary4%
Vehicle Crime1%
Violence0%

Afternoon sees sustained high levels of theft, coinciding with peak shopping and business hours.

Evening

6pm - 12am

Theft73%
Other18%
Burglary5%
Vehicle Crime5%
Violence0%

Evening crime patterns shift towards theft, with a slight increase in vehicle-related offences.

Night

12am - 6am

Theft52%
Vehicle Crime23%
Other15%
Burglary11%
Violence0%

Night-time hours experience a notable rise in vehicle crime and burglary, alongside continued theft.

Simulated Data - Crime-Type Weighted Model

These crime patterns are estimated using the Crime Survey for England and Wales (ONS) time-of-day data, weighted by City of Westminster's specific crime type distribution from Police.uk. This is not real historical data for specific times in City of Westminster, but a model-generated estimate based on the area's crime composition and national timing patterns.

Crime Time Patterns in the City of Westminster

Analysis of crime data by time period in the City of Westminster reveals distinct patterns throughout the 24-hour cycle. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are heavily dominated by theft, accounting for 88% of crimes during this period, with minor contributions from vehicle crime (4%) and burglary (3%). This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft remains overwhelmingly prevalent at 86%, while vehicle crime drops to 1% and burglary rises slightly to 4%. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm-12am), theft still represents the largest share at 73%, but vehicle crime increases to 5% and burglary to 5%, alongside a noticeable rise in 'Other' crimes to 18%. The night-time hours (12am-6am) show a significant shift; while theft is still substantial at 52%, vehicle crime dramatically increases to 23%, and burglary rises to its highest point at 11%, indicating a vulnerability during these quieter periods.

Crime Rates Near Westminster

City of London

2.7 miles

552.5
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Camden

2.1 miles

232.7
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Kensington and Chelsea

1.8 miles

192.0
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Islington

3.0 miles

185.9
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Lambeth

3.8 miles

150.6
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Hammersmith and Fulham

3.1 miles

144.1
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Crime Rate Risk Levels

Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

Explore Nearby Areas

Hammersmith and Fulham

3.1 miles

146.2
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Kensington and Chelsea

1.6 miles

181.9
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Camden

2.5 miles

219.2
per 1,000
Very High Risk

City and County of the City of London

2.9 miles

960.8
per 1,000
Very High Risk

Police Response Times in City of Westminster

How quickly do police respond to emergencies?

Grade 1 (Immediate)

Emergency 999 calls requiring immediate attendance — crimes in progress, threat to life, or serious injury.

Grade 2 (Priority)

Serious incidents needing prompt response but no immediate threat to life — recent crimes, vulnerable victims.

Grade 1 - Immediate

Emergency Response

10 minActual
Actual
10 min
Target
15 min
UK Average
15 min
5 min faster than target

Grade 2 - Priority

Priority Response

43 minActual
Actual
43 min
Target
1h
UK Average
1h
17 min faster than target

Active Officers

33,293

Each = 500 officers

Police Stations

Pending

Station count data is being collected

Why Response Time Matters

The average burglary takes just 8-10 minutes. Even when police respond quickly, burglars are often gone before anyone arrives.

scOS spots trouble the moment it starts — your lights come on, sirens sound, and you get an alert on your phone. Burglars don't stick around when they've lost the element of surprise.

2024 data
Mean response times
Source: FOI Request

How Does City of Westminster Compare?

Luton

98.9
crimes per 1,000 people
77.2% safer than City of Westminster

Wolverhampton

105.2
crimes per 1,000 people
75.8% safer than City of Westminster

Camden

219.2
crimes per 1,000 people
49.5% safer than City of Westminster

Barking and Dagenham

102.8
crimes per 1,000 people
76.3% safer than City of Westminster

Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, it is valuable to compare the City of Westminster's crime statistics with its neighbouring built-up areas. Kensington and Chelsea, known for its affluent residential areas and cultural attractions, likely shares some similarities in property crime due to high-value targets. Camden, a vibrant and diverse urban centre with popular markets and nightlife, often experiences elevated rates of theft and anti-social behaviour, which could offer a point of comparison for the City of Westminster's own challenges. The City and County of the City of London, primarily a financial hub, has a unique daily population dynamic and crime profile, usually with higher rates during working hours. To the west, Hammersmith and Fulham, a mixed residential and commercial area, provides another local benchmark for understanding crime patterns in a busy urban environment. These comparisons help residents gauge the local safety landscape within the broader London context.

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Protecting Your Property in the City of Westminster

With a property crime rate of 290.8 per 1,000 residents, securing your home or business in the City of Westminster is a critical consideration. Relying solely on traditional security cameras often means you'll have footage of a crime after it has occurred, rather than preventing the incident itself. For effective protection, a proactive approach is essential. Consider advanced security solutions like scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system designed to deter and prevent crime before it escalates. Unlike reactive DIY systems, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to detect threats at the property boundary, learning to distinguish between family members, deliveries, and genuine intruders. Its autonomous response capabilities, such as activating lights and engaging speakers, are engineered to destroy an intruder's element of surprise, making them move on within the crucial 60-second decision window. Professional-grade equipment signifies a serious commitment to security, offering a robust deterrent that goes beyond mere recording. Investing in such proactive technology provides a significant advantage in safeguarding your property against the prevalent property crimes in the City of Westminster.

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Understanding Our Data

How we source and verify crime information for City of Westminster

4,392+
Areas Covered
19M+
Crime Records
100%
Official Sources

Understanding the Calculations

The crime rate represents the number of recorded incidents per thousand residents in City of Westminster. This approach ensures fair comparison regardless of area population size.

Our Information

All statistics come from official government sources: Police.uk provides recorded crime data while the Office for National Statistics supplies population figures. We aggregate data at multiple geographic levels for context.

Formula Used

Crimes per 1k residents = (Total incidents ÷ Population) × 1,000

Our statistics derive entirely from UK government databases:

  • Police.uk — Crime records from territorial police forces across England and Wales (43 total)
  • Office for National Statistics — Population statistics and the Crime Survey for England and Wales
  • Home Office — Nationwide crime data and official policy records
  • FOI Requests — Additional statistics obtained via formal requests to police services
Our system covers 4,392+ areas across England and Wales, including major urban centers, towns, and administrative regions. Data for Greater Manchester is currently unavailable. We refresh statistics immediately when official sources publish updates (generally every 8 weeks) and maintain archives for historical analysis.
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

Spotted incorrect data or something that doesn't look right? Let us know and we'll investigate.

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