Ealing in West London, is a popular residential borough known for its green spaces, family-friendly atmosphere, and excellent transport links. But is it safe? As a security company near Ealing, we examine the latest crime statistics for the area, comparing the borough's safety to other areas in London and the UK, and analysing the trends that residents and visitors should be aware of.
Is Ealing a safe place to live and visit?
Ealing is a relatively safe borough in London, particularly when compared to more crime-prone areas of the city. While the borough does experience some issues with vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour, it remains one of the safest places in London for more serious crimes like burglary and violent offences. By taking simple precautions, both residents and visitors can enjoy Ealing’s charm and tranquillity without major concerns for their safety.
Snapshot Overview of Crime in Ealing
Ealing ranks among the top 20 safest boroughs in London, with a crime rate of 105 crimes per 1,000 people in 2023. This is 0.03% lower than the London average, making it one of the safer parts of the city. On a national scale, Ealing is the 21st safest city in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, ranking 926th out of all towns, cities, and villages in terms of overall safety.
Crime Rates: London and National Comparisons
London Comparison: Ealing’s crime rate is 2.5% lower than the London average.
National Comparison: The crime rate in Ealing is 20% higher than the average across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
While Ealing performs well in London’s context, there are specific crime types that stand out, particularly vehicle crime.
Most Common Crimes in Ealing: 2023
The most common crime in Ealing is violence and sexual offences, with 10,837 reported offences in 2023. This gives a crime rate of 35 per 1,000 people, which is a 7% increase from 2022, when there were 10,129 offences. While violence and sexual offences are the most frequent, Ealing is still considered relatively safe in comparison to more dangerous boroughs.
Vehicle Crime: A Persistent Issue
One notable area of concern in Ealing is vehicle crime. In October 2023, Ealing had the worst vehicle crime rate in London, with 520 crimes reported, equating to 1.7 per 1,000 people. Vehicle theft and break-ins continue to be an issue in residential and commercial areas alike, making this a top priority for local law enforcement.
Year-Over-Year Comparison
Violence and Sexual Offences: Increased by 7%, with a higher incidence of both violent crime and sexual offences compared to the previous year.
Vehicle Crime: Ealing’s vehicle crime rate remains 15% more dangerous than the London average, reflecting the borough’s ongoing battle with this type of offence.
Possession of Weapons: One of the borough’s least common crimes, with 135 offences recorded in 2023, a small 1.5% decrease from 2022.
While these statistics show some areas of concern, Ealing performs well in other crime categories, suggesting that the borough remains safer than many others in London.
Ealing Crime Scorecard: A Detailed Breakdown
The bar chart compares the total number of crimes in Ealing to several other London boroughs over the 12 months ending June 2024. Boroughs like Hillingdon, Tower Hamlets, Havering, Enfield, and others are displayed alongside Ealing, with the total number of recorded crimes for each borough represented by horizontal bars. Ealing itself sits in the middle of the comparison, with 26,623 recorded crimes.
The chart highlights that Ealing's crime rate is neither the highest nor the lowest among the selected boroughs. Tower Hamlets, with over 30,000 crimes, has a significantly higher crime rate than Ealing, while boroughs like Havering and Hammersmith and Fulham experience fewer crimes. This visual comparison suggests that while Ealing's crime levels are moderate, some nearby areas face more or fewer safety challenges.
Why is Ealing’s Crime Rate Higher in Some Areas?
Ealing’s crime rate varies across the borough, with higher incidences of crime in certain hotspots. The most notable factors include:
1. Vehicle Crime
Ealing’s high rate of vehicle crime is due in part to the large residential areas, which provide numerous opportunities for car theft and vehicle break-ins. Popular commuter routes and busy commercial areas also attract opportunistic criminals.
2. Anti-Social Behaviour
While Ealing is a safe borough overall, anti-social behaviour tends to be more common in busier districts, particularly near nightlife spots and shopping areas. Public disorder and minor disturbances can affect the perception of safety, though these incidents are often less severe.
3. Urban Density
As one of the more densely populated boroughs in West London, Ealing naturally experiences a higher volume of minor crimes such as theft, vandalism, and public disorder. However, it continues to rank among the safest boroughs in the city for more serious offences.
Is Ealing Safe for Residents and Visitors?
Ealing is generally considered a safe and desirable borough for both residents and visitors, offering a balance of urban amenities and suburban tranquillity. Here’s how it breaks down:
For Residents
Ealing is a safe place to live, with crime levels comparable to or lower than many other parts of London. Vehicle crime remains a key concern, but the borough is safer than average in areas such as burglary, drugs, and possession of weapons. Most residential neighborhoods are quiet and family-friendly, making Ealing a popular choice for professionals and families alike.
For Visitors
Ealing’s vibrant shopping areas, parks, and cultural attractions make it a welcoming destination for visitors. Tourists should be cautious of vehicle crime in busy areas, but overall, the borough is safe for those who take basic precautions, such as securing valuables and being mindful of their surroundings in crowded places.
FAQs About Safety in Ealing
Is Ealing the safest borough in London? Ealing is not the absolute safest, but it ranks among the top 20 safest boroughs in London, making it one of the more secure areas in the city.
What is the most common crime in Ealing? The most common crime in Ealing is violence and sexual offences, although the borough is safer than average when compared to the rest of London.
Is Ealing safe at night? Ealing is generally safe at night, particularly in residential areas. However, visitors should take care in busier commercial areas and ensure vehicles are locked and parked in well-lit areas to avoid theft.
How can I stay safe in Ealing? To stay safe, secure vehicles and personal belongings, avoid leaving valuables in cars, and remain vigilant in busier areas where opportunistic theft is more likely.
Are there any areas in Ealing that are safer than others? Yes, quieter residential areas tend to be safer than commercial zones with heavy foot traffic, where theft and public disorder may be more common.
If you are searching for a security company in Ealing for your personal or business use then please do reach out and give Fahrenheit Security a call or email.
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