Crime in Bexley district: statistics, rates and trends
20,071 crimes were recorded in Bexley district in the 12 months to July 2026, 78.3 per 1,000 residents. That is lower than the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and up 1% on the year before.
Table of Contents
- Crime in Bexley district at a glance
- Crime trends in Bexley district
- Types of crime in Bexley district
- Bexley district compared with nearby districts
- Areas within Bexley district
- Streets with the most crime in Bexley district
- What happened after crimes were reported in Bexley district
- Population and deprivation in Bexley district
- Questions about crime in Bexley district
- About this data
20,071 crimes were recorded in Bexley district in the 12 months to July 2026, 78.3 per 1,000 residents. That is lower than the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and up 1% on the year before. The most common offence was violence and sexual offences, with 6,200 reports (31% of the total).
Of the 308 districts covered by this site, Bexley district has the 192nd highest crime rate.
| Measure | Bexley district | London | England and Wales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimes, the 12 months to July 2026 | 20,071 | 1,130,928 | 5,665,700 |
| Crimes per 1,000 residents | 78.3 | 124.4 | 96.4 |
| Change on previous 12 months | +1% | -2% | -1% |
| Population | 256,434 | 9,089,736 | 58,797,018 |
Recorded crime in Bexley district was highest in the year to July 2020 (22,606 crimes) and lowest in the year to July 2018 (19,208). Over the whole period it rose 4%, against a fall of 4% across England and Wales. Rates use today's population for every year, so they show the direction of change rather than exact historic rates.
| Period | Crimes | Per 1,000 | England and Wales per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year to July 2026 | 20,071 | 78.3 | 96.4 |
| Year to July 2025 | 19,810 | 77.3 | 97.1 |
| Year to July 2024 | 20,445 | 79.7 | 97.7 |
| Year to July 2023 | 19,854 | 77.4 | 5.2 |
| Year to July 2022 | 20,173 | 78.7 | 101.3 |
| Year to July 2021 | 21,160 | 82.5 | 102.1 |
| Year to July 2020 | 22,606 | 88.2 | 101.9 |
| Year to July 2019 | 21,037 | 82.0 | 101.5 |
| Year to July 2018 | 19,208 | 74.9 | 100.6 |
Month by month
| Month | Crimes |
|---|---|
| July 2026 | 1,900 |
| June 2026 | 1,846 |
| May 2026 | 1,736 |
| April 2026 | 1,624 |
| March 2026 | 1,706 |
| February 2026 | 1,476 |
| January 2026 | 1,516 |
| December 2025 | 1,593 |
| November 2025 | 1,613 |
| October 2025 | 1,727 |
| September 2025 | 1,641 |
| August 2025 | 1,693 |
The table shows every category of crime recorded in Bexley district over the 12 months to July 2026. The index compares the local rate with England and Wales: 1.00 is the national rate, 2.00 is double it. Rates were well above the national level for vehicle crime.
The largest increases were in possession of weapons (+32%) and robbery (+20%). The largest falls were in criminal damage and arson (-31%) and theft from the person (-20%).
| Crime type | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Index (E&W = 1.00) | Change on year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violence and sexual offences | 6,200 | 24.2 | 0.71 | +10% |
| Anti-social behaviour | 4,219 | 16.5 | 1.07 | +15% |
| Vehicle crime | 1,626 | 6.3 | 1.29 | -14% |
| Shoplifting | 1,596 | 6.2 | 0.75 | -15% |
| Public order | 1,261 | 4.9 | 0.74 | +11% |
| Other theft | 1,219 | 4.8 | 0.74 | -1% |
| Criminal damage and arson | 1,157 | 4.5 | 0.67 | -31% |
| Drugs | 890 | 3.5 | 1.06 | -3% |
| Burglary | 806 | 3.1 | 0.89 | +14% |
| Robbery | 396 | 1.5 | 1.14 | +20% |
| Other crime | 282 | 1.1 | 0.52 | -7% |
| Theft from the person | 238 | 0.9 | 0.55 | -20% |
| Possession of weapons | 119 | 0.5 | 0.48 | +32% |
| Bicycle theft | 62 | 0.2 | 0.29 | -13% |
Violence and sexual offences in Bexley district
Violence and sexual offences covers offences against the person, from common assault to homicide, and sexual offences. Bexley district recorded 6,200 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (24.2 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 34.2, and up 10% on the year before. It made up 30.9% of all crime in the area.
Anti-social behaviour in Bexley district
Anti-social behaviour covers personal, environmental and nuisance anti-social behaviour. Bexley district recorded 4,219 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (16.5 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 15.3, and up 15% on the year before. It made up 21.0% of all crime in the area.
Vehicle crime in Bexley district
Vehicle crime covers theft of or from a vehicle, and interfering with a vehicle. Bexley district recorded 1,626 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (6.3 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 4.9, and down 14% on the year before. It made up 8.1% of all crime in the area.
Shoplifting in Bexley district
Shoplifting covers theft from shops or stalls. Bexley district recorded 1,596 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (6.2 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 8.3, and down 15% on the year before. It made up 8.0% of all crime in the area.
Public order in Bexley district
Public order covers offences that cause fear, alarm or distress. Bexley district recorded 1,261 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (4.9 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.6, and up 11% on the year before. It made up 6.3% of all crime in the area.
Other theft in Bexley district
Other theft covers theft not covered by another category, such as theft by an employee or of unattended items. Bexley district recorded 1,219 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (4.8 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.4, and down 1% on the year before. It made up 6.1% of all crime in the area.
Criminal damage and arson in Bexley district
Criminal damage and arson covers deliberate damage to property, including setting fire to it. Bexley district recorded 1,157 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (4.5 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.8, and down 31% on the year before. It made up 5.8% of all crime in the area.
Drugs in Bexley district
Drugs covers possession, supply and production of controlled drugs. Bexley district recorded 890 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (3.5 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 3.3, and down 3% on the year before. It made up 4.4% of all crime in the area.
Burglary in Bexley district
Burglary covers entering a home or other building as a trespasser to steal, or with intent to steal. Bexley district recorded 806 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (3.1 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 3.5, and up 14% on the year before. It made up 4.0% of all crime in the area.
Robbery in Bexley district
Robbery covers theft using force or the threat of force. Bexley district recorded 396 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.5 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 1.4, and up 20% on the year before. It made up 2.0% of all crime in the area.
Other crime in Bexley district
Other crime covers offences not covered by another category, such as forgery and perjury. Bexley district recorded 282 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.1 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 2.1, and down 7% on the year before. It made up 1.4% of all crime in the area.
Theft from the person in Bexley district
Theft from the person covers theft of property carried on the person, such as pickpocketing, without force. Bexley district recorded 238 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.9 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.7, and down 20% on the year before. It made up 1.2% of all crime in the area.
Possession of weapons in Bexley district
Possession of weapons covers carrying or possessing a weapon such as a firearm or knife. Bexley district recorded 119 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.5 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.0, and up 32% on the year before. It made up 0.6% of all crime in the area.
Bicycle theft in Bexley district
Bicycle theft covers the taking of a bicycle without the owner's consent. Bexley district recorded 62 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.2 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 0.8, and down 13% on the year before. It made up 0.3% of all crime in the area.
Crime rates in the districts closest to Bexley district, for the 12 months to July 2026. The last column shows each area's rate relative to Bexley district.
| District | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Rate vs Bexley district |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenwich | 33,981 | 113.4 | +45% |
| Dartford | 13,504 | 108.0 | +38% |
| Barking and Dagenham | 24,389 | 104.8 | +34% |
| Newham | 50,890 | 135.9 | +74% |
| Bromley | 29,229 | 87.2 | +11% |
| Lewisham | 36,975 | 122.7 | +57% |
| Havering | 24,479 | 88.6 | +13% |
| Tower Hamlets | 48,015 | 144.7 | +85% |
18 areas within Bexley district, ordered by crime rate over the 12 months to July 2026. Bexleyheath had the highest rate (147.8 per 1,000) and Blackfen & Lamorbey the lowest (43.5). Busy town and city centres often show high rates because many of the people there do not live there.
| Area | Type | Population | Crimes | Per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bexleyheath | Neighbourhood | 16,459 | 2,432 | 147.8 |
| Erith | Neighbourhood | 16,952 | 1,988 | 117.3 |
| Slade Green & Northend | Neighbourhood | 14,760 | 1,457 | 98.7 |
| Belvedere | Neighbourhood | 18,177 | 1,757 | 96.7 |
| Thamesmead East | Neighbourhood | 16,280 | 1,548 | 95.1 |
| Crayford | Neighbourhood | 16,898 | 1,499 | 88.7 |
| Sidcup | Neighbourhood | 16,214 | 1,289 | 79.5 |
| Bexley | Town | 256,434 | 20,071 | 78.3 |
| Falconwood & Welling | Neighbourhood | 17,574 | 1,301 | 74.0 |
| Northumberland Heath | Neighbourhood | 11,444 | 797 | 69.6 |
| St Mary's & St James | Neighbourhood | 12,026 | 819 | 68.1 |
| Longlands | Neighbourhood | 10,798 | 719 | 66.6 |
| Crook Log | Neighbourhood | 17,550 | 1,161 | 66.2 |
| West Heath | Neighbourhood | 14,376 | 693 | 48.2 |
| East Wickham | Neighbourhood | 16,961 | 807 | 47.6 |
| Blendon & Penhill | Neighbourhood | 15,442 | 718 | 46.5 |
| Barnehurst | Neighbourhood | 9,884 | 449 | 45.4 |
| Blackfen & Lamorbey | Neighbourhood | 14,639 | 637 | 43.5 |
Police.uk records each crime at an approximate location, usually the centre of a nearby street or a landmark, to protect victims' privacy. These are the locations with the most reports in Bexley district over the 12 months to July 2026.
| Location | Crimes |
|---|---|
| On or near Supermarket | 1,139 |
| On or near Parking Area | 936 |
| On or near Petrol Station | 473 |
| On or near Shopping Area | 445 |
| On or near Police Station | 216 |
| On or near Station Road North | 190 |
| On or near Welling High Street | 188 |
| On or near Wrotham Road | 147 |
| On or near Tavy Bridge | 133 |
| On or near Further/Higher Educational Building | 118 |
The latest recorded outcome for crimes in Bexley district over the 12 months to July 2026. Many cases are still open when the data is published, and anti-social behaviour has no outcome recorded, so these shares change as investigations finish.
| Outcome | Crimes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Investigation complete; no suspect identified | 6,388 | 31.8% |
| Unable to prosecute suspect | 5,225 | 26.0% |
| Not recorded | 4,219 | 21.0% |
| Under investigation | 1,864 | 9.3% |
| Status update unavailable | 837 | 4.2% |
| Awaiting court outcome | 705 | 3.5% |
| Local resolution | 318 | 1.6% |
| Court result unavailable | 233 | 1.2% |
| Action to be taken by another organisation | 172 | 0.9% |
| Offender given penalty notice | 37 | 0.2% |
| Offender given a caution | 34 | 0.2% |
| Formal action is not in the public interest | 21 | 0.1% |
Bexley district has an estimated population of 256,434. On the England IoD 2025, the average neighbourhood in Bexley district sits in decile 6.6, less deprived than average. Deprivation and recorded crime are linked, but many other factors shape local crime rates.
| Measure | Bexley district |
|---|---|
| Aged 0 to 15 | 20.2% |
| Aged 16 to 64 | 63.2% |
| Aged 65 and over | 16.6% |
| Homes owned outright or with a mortgage | 70.0% |
| Social rented homes | 14.7% |
| Private rented homes | 15.3% |
| Average deprivation decile (1 = most deprived, 10 = least) | 6.6 |
Is Bexley district a safe place to live?
Bexley district recorded 78.3 crimes per 1,000 residents in the 12 months to July 2026, lower than the England and Wales rate of 96.4. Crime is concentrated in a small number of places within most areas, often busy centres and transport hubs, so the rate for a single street can differ a lot from the area as a whole.
What is the most common crime in Bexley district?
Violence and sexual offences was the most common category, with 6,200 reports in the 12 months to July 2026, followed by anti-social behaviour (4,219).
Is crime in Bexley district going up or down?
Recorded crime in Bexley district was up 1% on the year before: 20,071 crimes in the 12 months to July 2026 against 19,810 in the previous 12 months.
Which police force covers Bexley district?
Bexley district is policed by Metropolitan Police. Non-emergency crimes can be reported online to the force or by calling 101; in an emergency call 999.
How are these crime rates calculated?
Each rate is the number of crimes recorded by the police in the 12 months to July 2026, divided by the resident population and multiplied by 1,000. Crime data is from data.police.uk and population estimates are from the Office for National Statistics.
Figures are police-recorded crime published on data.police.uk, covering August 2017 to July 2026. Each crime is counted in the small area (LSOA) where it was recorded and added up to Bexley district. Crimes recorded by British Transport Police are not included.
Population figures are ONS mid-year estimates. See the methodology for details.