The London Borough of Islington has an estimated population of over 215 thousand people. It is known for Upper Street which spans from Highbury to Angel, Holloway Road and Arsenal FC. The area gets a lot of visitors and house prices are really expensive due to its proximity to Central London and also the vibey areas of Shoreditch and Dalston. Basically if you live in Islington you have got a lot of places to go right on your doorstep. As a security company near Islington that works in the Borough we are going to look at recent crime statistics for the area and gauge whether Islington is safe for residents and visitors.
Islington ranks among the top 20 most dangerous boroughs in London, with a crime rate of 114 crimes per 1,000 people in 2023. This is 9% higher than the overall crime rate in London, which sits at 105 crimes per 1,000 people. Nationally, Islington is the 26th most dangerous city in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, ranking 729th out of all towns, cities, and villages for overall safety.
Is Islington safe for residents and visitors?
While Islington does face higher crime rates in categories like theft from the person and public order offences, it remains a desirable and relatively safe borough for both residents and visitors. With proper safety precautions, most people can enjoy the vibrant culture and amenities of Islington without significant concern for their security.
Crime Rates: London and National Comparisons
London Comparison: Islington’s crime rate is 6% higher than the London average.
National Comparison: Islington’s crime rate is 30% higher than the national average across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
While Islington faces higher crime rates than the London average, breaking down the statistics by crime type gives a clearer picture of which issues are most prevalent.
Most Common Crimes in Islington: 2023
The most common crime in Islington is violence and sexual offences, with 7,995 reported incidents in 2023. This results in a crime rate of 30 per 1,000 people, which is a 4.1% increase compared to 2022. Violence and sexual offences remain a concern across urban London, but Islington's crime rate in this category aligns with trends seen in other densely populated boroughs.
Public Order and Weapon Possession
In April 2023, Islington had the worst crime rate in London for public order offences, with 220 reported incidents. Additionally, possession of weapons has been a recurring issue. In July 2022, Islington had the highest rate of weapon possession in London, recording 25 offences. By 2023, possession of weapons offences had increased by 24%, making this a growing concern for the borough.
Year-Over-Year Comparison
Violence and Sexual Offences: Increased by 4.1% from 2022.
Possession of Weapons: Rose by 24%, with 170 offences recorded in 2023.
Public Order Offences: Saw a significant rise in early 2023, contributing to the borough’s higher crime ranking.
Islington Crime Scorecard: A Detailed Breakdown
The chart shows the total number of crimes in Islington compared to other London boroughs for the 12 months ending June 2024. Each bar represents the number of crimes reported in a specific borough, allowing you to visually compare the crime levels across different areas.
From the pie chart and bar chart above Islington does have its fair share of crime for the size of the area. However it is concentrated around anti social behaviour, violence and sexual offenses, theft from a person and theft.
Why is Islington’s Crime Rate Higher in Some Areas?
Islington's crime rate varies across the borough, with higher crime rates in certain areas influenced by several factors:
1. High Population Density and Nightlife
Islington is known for its bustling nightlife and busy commercial areas, especially around Angel, Upper Street, and parts of Holloway. These areas experience higher levels of crime, particularly theft from the person and public order offences, due to the large crowds and nightlife-related activity.
2. Economic Disparities
Islington is home to both affluent neighbourhoods and areas of economic deprivation. Disparities in income levels can sometimes lead to higher crime rates, particularly in parts of the borough where residents face greater socioeconomic challenges.
3. Urban Setting
As an inner-London borough, Islington’s urban density naturally leads to higher rates of opportunistic crimes, such as theft and robbery. Public areas, transport hubs, and busy streets often become hotspots for pickpocketing and petty theft.
Is Islington Safe for Residents and Visitors?
Despite the relatively high crime rate in some areas, Islington remains a popular borough to live and visit. With proper precautions, most residents and visitors can enjoy what the area has to offer while staying safe.
For Residents
Islington’s residential areas offer a generally safe environment, though certain precautions should be taken. By securing homes and vehicles and being cautious in crowded areas, residents can reduce their risk of crime. The borough performs well in reducing serious crimes like vehicle theft, burglary, and violent offences, making it a relatively secure place to live.
For Visitors
Islington attracts many visitors, thanks to its rich cultural offerings, restaurants, and nightlife. Visitors should be mindful of their surroundings, particularly in busy areas where theft from the person and pickpocketing are more common. Basic precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and staying in well-lit areas at night, can help ensure a safe experience.
FAQs About Safety in Islington
Is Islington one of the most dangerous boroughs in London? Islington ranks among the top 20 most dangerous boroughs, with a crime rate 9% higher than the London average. However, many parts of the borough are relatively safe, especially for residents who take necessary precautions.
What is the most common crime in Islington? The most common crime in Islington is violence and sexual offences, although the borough is 17% safer than the London average in this category.
Is Islington safe at night? Islington is generally safe at night, especially in residential areas. However, busier nightlife areas like Upper Street and Angel can experience higher rates of theft and public disorder incidents, so staying vigilant is advisable.
How can I stay safe in Islington? To stay safe, secure your personal belongings, avoid displaying valuables in busy public areas, and be cautious in crowded places, especially at night.
Are there any areas in Islington that are safer than others? Yes, quieter residential neighbourhoods like Highbury and Canonbury tend to have lower crime rates compared to busier areas like Angel and Holloway.
If you are looking for a security company in Islington to use for your personal or business purposes please do consider Fahrenheit Security for your security guarding requirements.
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