The guide to 5 areas to avoid in London

London's relatively safe but like other urban areas, there're some places prone to crime. Find out where in the city you should remain vigilant.

Ivandzhelin

4 minute read

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Updated on 4 Jul 2023

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Living

When moving to London, the safety of your new neighbourhood is a top priority. But how do you judge which areas are safe and which places to avoid in London? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Dive into our article on the 5 areas in London you should avoid.

Greater London is divided between 2 counties (Inner and Outer London) or 32 boroughs (districts). Comparing the crime rate of the counties, Inner London is more prone to crime because the population density is higher.

If your heart is set on moving to London, we’ve got good news for you: London is a relatively safe city. Similar to other metropolitan cities like Paris and Brussels, the capital of the United Kingdom has a higher crime rate than other British cities. Considering that London's a tourist hotspot with more than 9 million residents, a crime rate index of 53 isn’t surprising.

What you’ll run into in most neighbourhoods are petty crimes like theft, pickpocketing and burglaries. There’re some rougher areas which encounter violent crimes or gang activity, but if you exercise prudence and take simple precautions, you shouldn’t have much to worry about.

When it comes to London, you’ll soon realise that there’re no absolutely bad or good areas. The areas we’ve highlighted have a reputation for higher crime rates, but they're also part of municipal projects aimed at lowering the crime rate.

Elephant and Castle

© Google Maps

Elephant and Castle is located within the London Borough of Southwark, near the picturesque Thames. The neighbourhood has a diverse cultural scene inspired by traditional and contemporary influences.

Elephant and Castle has had a higher crime rate in the past, especially due to theft and drug offences. However, thanks to significant redevelopment efforts, safety measures have improved, and the overall crime rate in the area has been significantly reduced.

Brixton

© Google Maps

Famous for having its own currency, Brixton is located in the London Borough of Lambeth. This culturally diverse area has played a pivotal role in the pop and rock music scene, producing renowned musicians like the Clash and David Bowie.

Unfortunately, Brixton has a reputation as an area to avoid because of the high crime rate and drug-related issues in the past. However, the area has been part of revitalisation projects in recent years that have contributed to enhancing public spaces and increasing police presence. As a result, crime rates have seen a significant reduction over time.

Brixton has become a trendy place popular with young expats because of the affordable housing and delicious goodies at the Brixton Street food market.

The area between Bethnal Green and Cambridge Heath metro stations

© Google Maps

This area is part of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets in East London. This area is primarily residential, known for its diverse community, and is home to several parks and shops. Compared to other parts of London, the area experiences higher levels of poverty and crime. The most common crimes are thefts and vehicle crimes.

Similarly to the other areas mentioned, the trek between the 2 metro stations has seen improvements in the past years because of rejuvenation projects which have positively affected the crime rate.

Peckham

© Google Maps

Located in the London Borough of Southwark, Peckham is home to over 700,000 people. The neighbourhood is known for being hip and trendy but is also one of the city’s most notorious neighbourhoods. Peckham gained its bad reputation from past cases of violent and petty crime.

Since then, efforts have been made to improve the neighbourhood, which have successfully lowered the crime rate. Still, keep in mind that the area hosts numerous bars and clubs and can become rowdy at night because of the intoxicated people painting the town red.

Tottenham

© Google Maps

Located in the London Borough of Haringey, Tottenham is a diverse neighbourhood with a rich history. Like any other urban area, Tottenham has had its share of crime, although the crime rate has decreased significantly in the past years. Local authorities mostly deal with robberies and vehicle crime.

Tottenham’s infrastructure has improved in recent years through redevelopment projects. These have led to better living conditions, affordable housing options for its residents and a noticeable drop in crimes.

For an urban area of this size and population, London’s safe at night. However, specific neighbourhoods have a higher incidence of crime and can make you feel uneasy at nighttime.

It's always wise to exercise caution, be mindful of your surroundings, and avoid dimly lit alleys. Additionally, utilizing public transportation or reliable ride-hailing services like Uber can provide an added layer of security during your nighttime travels. By taking these precautions, you can enhance your personal safety and enjoy London's vibrant nightlife.

If you find yourself feeling worried or in danger, you can call 112 (pan-European number) or 999 (UK’s emergency services). The country also has a dedicated number, 101, for reporting non-urgent crimes.

1. London is a busy city, so it's important to remain alert and mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
2. Keep an eye on your belongings in busy touristy spots (especially in Central London), as they’re hubs for pickpockets.
3. Before choosing accommodation in London, research the area to ensure it's safe and suitable for your needs.
4. Use London's public transport or licensed taxis, like the Black taxis or ride-sharing services such as Uber and Bolt.
5. If you're out and about during late hours, try to stay in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone.
6. Get to know your neighbours and the area where you live.
7. Don't be afraid to invest in a sturdy or portable lock for added security.

So, there you have it — your guide to the areas to avoid when living in London. Having done your research, you’re fully prepared to make the right decision and choose the best neighbourhood for you to live in.

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