Hammersmith and Fulham, a vibrant and diverse borough in West London, is home to bustling neighbourhoods, scenic riverside walks, and excellent transport links. However, as with any urban area, questions about its safety arise for both residents and visitors. As we are the leading security company near Hammersmith and Fulham we are looking into the crime statistics for the area and comparing them to both the wider London area and national averages, to help you understand how safe the borough really is.
Is Hammersmith and Fulham a safe area to live and visit?
Hammersmith and Fulham is a relatively safe borough in London, though it does experience higher crime rates in specific categories like bicycle theft and shoplifting. Despite this, the borough is safer than many parts of London in terms of violent crime, anti-social behavior, and burglary. By taking basic safety precautions, residents and visitors can enjoy this vibrant, well-connected area of London without significant concern for their safety.
Snapshot Overview of Crime in Hammersmith and Fulham
Hammersmith and Fulham ranks among the top 20 most dangerous boroughs in London. In 2023, the overall crime rate in the borough was 107 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 1.8% higher than London’s average crime rate of 105 per 1,000 people. However, compared to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Hammersmith and Fulham ranks 25th safest city, and 881st out of all towns, cities, and villages in terms of safety.
Crime Rates: London and National Comparisons
London Comparison: Hammersmith and Fulham’s crime rate is 0.69% lower than the London average.
National Comparison: The borough’s crime rate is 22% higher than the average across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
While the overall crime rate is slightly above the London average, it is essential to break down the specific types of crime and understand how they affect different parts of the borough.
Most Common Crimes in Hammersmith and Fulham: 2023
The most common crime in Hammersmith and Fulham is violence and sexual offences, with 6,126 reported offences in 2023. This equates to a crime rate of 30 per 1,000 people, a 7% increase from 2022 when there were 5,713 offences reported. While violence and sexual offences are concerning, Hammersmith and Fulham's rate of increase is similar to other parts of London, where rising numbers have been observed in recent years.
Other crimes to note in Hammersmith and Fulham include:
Vehicle Crime: 2,145 incidents, 12% safer than the London average.
Bicycle Theft: 774 reported thefts, making the borough 97% more dangerous than the London average for this specific crime.
Shoplifting: 1,417 offences, making the borough 3.8% more dangerous than the London average.
Year-Over-Year Comparison
Violence and Sexual Offences: Up 7% compared to 2022.
Possession of Weapons: 109 incidents recorded in 2023, an 8% increase from the 101 crimes in 2022.
Other Theft: 2,582 offences, making Hammersmith and Fulham 20% safer than other parts of London.
While certain crime types like bicycle theft and shoplifting are more frequent than in other London boroughs, Hammersmith and Fulham performs better in other categories, indicating a mixed but manageable crime landscape.
Hammersmith and Fulham Crime Scorecard: A Detailed Breakdown
The bar chart compares the total number of crimes recorded in Hammersmith and Fulham to ten other London boroughs over the 12 months ending June 2024. Boroughs such as Havering, Enfield, Redbridge, Ealing, and Camden are displayed alongside Hammersmith and Fulham, with each bar representing the number of recorded crimes in each area during that period. Hammersmith and Fulham sits in the middle of the comparison, with 18,216 recorded crimes.
The chart reveals that Hammersmith and Fulham has a relatively moderate crime rate compared to other boroughs. Camden has the highest number of crimes (35,909), while Havering has the fewest (17,338). This suggests that while Hammersmith and Fulham experiences a significant level of crime, it is not among the most dangerous areas, as many boroughs like Camden and Croydon face higher crime rates.
What Does This Mean for Hammersmith and Fulham?
While Hammersmith and Fulham experiences higher-than-average crime in certain categories like bicycle theft and shoplifting, the borough performs better than other parts of London in areas like vehicle crime, anti-social behaviour, and burglary. Violence and sexual offences, while on the rise, are not increasing at an alarming rate compared to other London boroughs.
Why is the Crime Rate Higher in Certain Areas?
Hammersmith and Fulham’s crime statistics vary based on location and the time of day. Several factors contribute to these numbers:
1. Commercial and Retail Hubs
Areas like Hammersmith Broadway and Shepherd’s Bush are significant commercial hubs, drawing large numbers of shoppers, which can contribute to higher rates of theft, particularly shoplifting and pickpocketing.
2. Bicycle Theft
Hammersmith and Fulham has a high rate of bicycle theft, particularly in areas with heavy cycling traffic along the river and near major transport links. As London promotes cycling, this has become a growing issue across the city, and Hammersmith and Fulham is no exception.
3. Vehicle Crime
While the borough ranks safer than the London average for vehicle crime, theft from vehicles remains a persistent problem, particularly in residential areas with limited street parking.
Is Hammersmith and Fulham Safe for Residents and Visitors?
Hammersmith and Fulham remains a desirable area to live and visit, despite the presence of crime, particularly in specific categories. Its proximity to central London and excellent transport links make it a prime location for professionals, families, and students. Here's how safety compares:
For Residents
Residents in Hammersmith and Fulham enjoy a relatively safe environment in terms of violent crime, anti-social behaviour, and burglary. As with any urban area, it’s important to take precautions, such as locking doors and windows, securing bicycles, and being mindful of your surroundings, particularly in commercial and busy areas.
For Visitors
Hammersmith and Fulham is home to some of London’s most popular attractions, including the Hammersmith Apollo and Westfield London in Shepherd's Bush. Visitors are generally safe, though staying vigilant in busy areas and securing personal belongings will help mitigate risks, particularly from theft or pickpocketing.
FAQs About Safety in Hammersmith and Fulham
Is Hammersmith and Fulham safe at night? Most areas in Hammersmith and Fulham are safe at night, though visitors and residents should be cautious in commercial areas or transport hubs late at night, where theft or anti-social behaviour may occur.
What is the most common crime in Hammersmith and Fulham? The most common crime in Hammersmith and Fulham is violence and sexual offences, though the borough is 17% safer than the London average in this category.
How does Hammersmith and Fulham compare to other London boroughs? Hammersmith and Fulham ranks as the 25th safest borough in London, making it moderately safe compared to others, with higher rates in specific categories like bicycle theft.
Is Hammersmith and Fulham a good place to live? Yes, Hammersmith and Fulham is a great place to live, offering a balance of safety, amenities, and excellent transport connections, though residents should be mindful of theft and vehicle crime.
How can I stay safe in Hammersmith and Fulham? To stay safe, residents and visitors should secure their personal belongings, avoid leaving valuables in cars, and take precautions like locking bicycles and staying vigilant in busy areas.
If you are looking for a security company in Hammersmith and Fulham for your business or personal requirements please do contact us for free advice and a quotation.
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