Havering Still Considered One Of The Safest Boroughs To Live In.

Havering continues to be recognised as one of the safer boroughs in London, but recent trends show a mixed picture when it comes to crime statistics.

Overall, Havering maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to many other London boroughs. In 2024, Havering recorded an annual crime rate of 68.2 crimes per 1,000 residents. This remains low when compared to London as a whole. In 2022, the crime rate in Havering stood at 74 per 1,000 people, making it 23% lower than the London average and 7% below the national average.

Between 2022 and 2023, reported crimes in Havering rose by over 10%, with a total of 21,648 incidents recorded. Particular concerns have been raised around vehicle-related crimes, with thefts from vehicles increasing by more than 600 cases over a six-year period. Drug offences have also seen a rise, with Havering being one of only two London boroughs to record an increase between 2021 and 2023, showing a 10% rise in such crimes.

Some parts of Havering are more affected by crime than others. Central Romford recorded a higher crime rate in 2022, with 303 crimes per 1,000 people, making it the most impacted area in the borough. However, other neighbourhoods remained much safer. Hacton recorded just 29 crimes per 1,000 people, Cranham East 31 per 1,000 people, and Emerson Park 35 per 1,000 people, all maintaining very low crime levels.

Burglary rates in Havering also remain reassuringly low. In 2022, the borough recorded eight burglaries per 1,000 households, ranking it joint third among London’s least at-risk areas for this type of crime.

While Havering continues to uphold its reputation as one of London’s safer boroughs, it is important to acknowledge that certain crime categories, particularly vehicle crimes and drug offences, have seen noticeable increases.

Community engagement, visible policing, and local partnerships will continue to play a key role in ensuring Havering stays a safe place to live for everyone.

The Clear Hold Build Initiative across Harold Hill has made a very noticeable difference across the area with a large reduction in shoplifting and anti social behaviour. By using a wider approach and multi agency partnership, local police officers have made a significant difference to the area. Working with youth organisations such as Youth Unity, has meant fantastic youth engagement between Harold Hill officers and the local youth across the Hilldene area.

Havering has many issues to tackle as do most London boroughs, however we do have a strong police team across the borough that is making very postive work, frequently behind the scenes to tackle crime.

Superintendent Simon Hutchison, from the Met’s neighbourhood policing team in Havering, told the Havering Daily: “The Met is dedicated to dealing with neighbourhood crime, tackling issues that matter most to Londoners.

“Through targeted patrols and the use of technology such as Live Facial Recognition we’ve reduced serious violence and robbery across Havering, including in Romford.

“Officers will continue to work with the community and partners including the local authority and Romford Bid to respond to concerns and keep people safe.”

 “We are keen, as ever, to hear from the community. Please get in touch through your ward panels which are held every quarter or by emailing your ward policing team.”

 To find out who your local team are and how to contact them visit – Your area | Metropolitan Police

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