Crime in Croydon district: statistics, rates and trends
42,591 crimes were recorded in Croydon district in the 12 months to July 2026, 104.0 per 1,000 residents. That is close to the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and down 3% on the year before.
Table of Contents
- Crime in Croydon district at a glance
- Crime trends in Croydon district
- Types of crime in Croydon district
- Croydon district compared with nearby districts
- Areas within Croydon district
- Streets with the most crime in Croydon district
- What happened after crimes were reported in Croydon district
- Population and deprivation in Croydon district
- Questions about crime in Croydon district
- About this data
42,591 crimes were recorded in Croydon district in the 12 months to July 2026, 104.0 per 1,000 residents. That is close to the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and down 3% on the year before. The most common offence was violence and sexual offences, with 12,788 reports (30% of the total).
Of the 308 districts covered by this site, Croydon district has the 90th highest crime rate.
| Measure | Croydon district | London | England and Wales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimes, the 12 months to July 2026 | 42,591 | 1,130,928 | 5,665,700 |
| Crimes per 1,000 residents | 104.0 | 124.4 | 96.4 |
| Change on previous 12 months | -3% | -2% | -1% |
| Population | 409,342 | 9,089,736 | 58,797,018 |
Recorded crime in Croydon district was highest in the year to July 2020 (44,458 crimes) and lowest in the year to July 2018 (37,411). Over the whole period it rose 14%, 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 | 42,591 | 104.0 | 96.4 |
| Year to July 2025 | 43,773 | 106.9 | 97.1 |
| Year to July 2024 | 42,608 | 104.1 | 97.7 |
| Year to July 2023 | 41,073 | 100.3 | 5.2 |
| Year to July 2022 | 42,277 | 103.3 | 101.3 |
| Year to July 2021 | 44,286 | 108.2 | 102.1 |
| Year to July 2020 | 44,458 | 108.6 | 101.9 |
| Year to July 2019 | 39,155 | 95.7 | 101.5 |
| Year to July 2018 | 37,411 | 91.4 | 100.6 |
Month by month
| Month | Crimes |
|---|---|
| July 2026 | 3,971 |
| June 2026 | 3,688 |
| May 2026 | 3,768 |
| April 2026 | 3,548 |
| March 2026 | 3,640 |
| February 2026 | 3,177 |
| January 2026 | 3,475 |
| December 2025 | 3,232 |
| November 2025 | 3,289 |
| October 2025 | 3,408 |
| September 2025 | 3,539 |
| August 2025 | 3,856 |
The table shows every category of crime recorded in Croydon 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 anti-social behaviour, vehicle crime, drugs.
The largest increases were in possession of weapons (+45%). The largest falls were in criminal damage and arson (-27%) and other crime (-17%).
| Crime type | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Index (E&W = 1.00) | Change on year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violence and sexual offences | 12,788 | 31.2 | 0.91 | +3% |
| Anti-social behaviour | 8,808 | 21.5 | 1.40 | -0% |
| Vehicle crime | 3,688 | 9.0 | 1.83 | +4% |
| Shoplifting | 3,575 | 8.7 | 1.05 | -3% |
| Other theft | 2,670 | 6.5 | 1.02 | -5% |
| Public order | 2,424 | 5.9 | 0.89 | +5% |
| Drugs | 2,130 | 5.2 | 1.59 | -16% |
| Criminal damage and arson | 1,939 | 4.7 | 0.70 | -27% |
| Burglary | 1,706 | 4.2 | 1.18 | -11% |
| Robbery | 1,002 | 2.4 | 1.81 | -12% |
| Theft from the person | 806 | 2.0 | 1.17 | -6% |
| Other crime | 506 | 1.2 | 0.59 | -17% |
| Possession of weapons | 344 | 0.8 | 0.87 | +45% |
| Bicycle theft | 205 | 0.5 | 0.61 | +8% |
Violence and sexual offences in Croydon district
Violence and sexual offences covers offences against the person, from common assault to homicide, and sexual offences. Croydon district recorded 12,788 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (31.2 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 34.2, and up 3% on the year before. It made up 30.0% of all crime in the area.
Anti-social behaviour in Croydon district
Anti-social behaviour covers personal, environmental and nuisance anti-social behaviour. Croydon district recorded 8,808 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (21.5 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 15.3, and almost unchanged on the year before. It made up 20.7% of all crime in the area.
Vehicle crime in Croydon district
Vehicle crime covers theft of or from a vehicle, and interfering with a vehicle. Croydon district recorded 3,688 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (9.0 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 4.9, and up 4% on the year before. It made up 8.7% of all crime in the area.
Shoplifting in Croydon district
Shoplifting covers theft from shops or stalls. Croydon district recorded 3,575 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (8.7 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 8.3, and down 3% on the year before. It made up 8.4% of all crime in the area.
Other theft in Croydon district
Other theft covers theft not covered by another category, such as theft by an employee or of unattended items. Croydon district recorded 2,670 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (6.5 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 6.4, and down 5% on the year before. It made up 6.3% of all crime in the area.
Public order in Croydon district
Public order covers offences that cause fear, alarm or distress. Croydon district recorded 2,424 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (5.9 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 6.6, and up 5% on the year before. It made up 5.7% of all crime in the area.
Drugs in Croydon district
Drugs covers possession, supply and production of controlled drugs. Croydon district recorded 2,130 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (5.2 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 3.3, and down 16% on the year before. It made up 5.0% of all crime in the area.
Criminal damage and arson in Croydon district
Criminal damage and arson covers deliberate damage to property, including setting fire to it. Croydon district recorded 1,939 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (4.7 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.8, and down 27% on the year before. It made up 4.6% of all crime in the area.
Burglary in Croydon district
Burglary covers entering a home or other building as a trespasser to steal, or with intent to steal. Croydon district recorded 1,706 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (4.2 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 3.5, and down 11% on the year before. It made up 4.0% of all crime in the area.
Robbery in Croydon district
Robbery covers theft using force or the threat of force. Croydon district recorded 1,002 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.4 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 1.4, and down 12% on the year before. It made up 2.4% of all crime in the area.
Theft from the person in Croydon district
Theft from the person covers theft of property carried on the person, such as pickpocketing, without force. Croydon district recorded 806 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.0 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 1.7, and down 6% on the year before. It made up 1.9% of all crime in the area.
Other crime in Croydon district
Other crime covers offences not covered by another category, such as forgery and perjury. Croydon district recorded 506 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.2 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 2.1, and down 17% on the year before. It made up 1.2% of all crime in the area.
Possession of weapons in Croydon district
Possession of weapons covers carrying or possessing a weapon such as a firearm or knife. Croydon district recorded 344 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.8 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.0, and up 45% on the year before. It made up 0.8% of all crime in the area.
Bicycle theft in Croydon district
Bicycle theft covers the taking of a bicycle without the owner's consent. Croydon district recorded 205 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.5 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 0.8, and up 8% on the year before. It made up 0.5% of all crime in the area.
Crime rates in the districts closest to Croydon district, for the 12 months to July 2026. The last column shows each area's rate relative to Croydon district.
| District | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Rate vs Croydon district |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sutton | 16,474 | 76.8 | -26% |
| Merton | 16,295 | 74.6 | -28% |
| Bromley | 29,229 | 87.2 | -16% |
| Lambeth | 48,559 | 153.2 | +47% |
| Lewisham | 36,975 | 122.7 | +18% |
| Wandsworth | 33,499 | 99.2 | -5% |
| Southwark | 49,003 | 155.7 | +50% |
| Epsom and Ewell | 7,062 | 84.8 | -19% |
29 areas within Croydon district, ordered by crime rate over the 12 months to July 2026. Fairfield had the highest rate (315.9 per 1,000) and Sanderstead the lowest (36.0). 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield | Neighbourhood | 17,628 | 5,568 | 315.9 |
| Broad Green | Neighbourhood | 21,942 | 3,895 | 177.5 |
| Selhurst | Neighbourhood | 11,992 | 1,729 | 144.2 |
| West Thornton | Neighbourhood | 20,109 | 2,829 | 140.7 |
| Park Hill & Whitgift | Neighbourhood | 8,818 | 1,235 | 140.1 |
| Waddon | Neighbourhood | 19,235 | 2,411 | 125.3 |
| Thornton Heath | Neighbourhood | 18,143 | 1,959 | 108.0 |
| Norbury & Pollards Hill | Neighbourhood | 14,078 | 1,495 | 106.2 |
| South Norwood | Neighbourhood | 18,794 | 1,986 | 105.7 |
| Croydon | Town | 405,659 | 42,277 | 104.2 |
| New Addington South | Neighbourhood | 10,925 | 1,104 | 101.1 |
| Addiscombe West | Neighbourhood | 17,221 | 1,636 | 95.0 |
| Addiscombe East | Neighbourhood | 11,993 | 1,107 | 92.3 |
| Woodside | Neighbourhood | 17,330 | 1,566 | 90.4 |
| Purley & Woodcote | Neighbourhood | 18,607 | 1,668 | 89.6 |
| South Croydon | Neighbourhood | 18,884 | 1,691 | 89.5 |
| Bensham Manor | Neighbourhood | 17,908 | 1,534 | 85.7 |
| Shirley North | Neighbourhood | 14,805 | 1,241 | 83.8 |
| Crystal Palace & Upper Norwood | Neighbourhood | 17,089 | 1,368 | 80.1 |
| New Addington North | Neighbourhood | 11,686 | 842 | 72.1 |
| Selsdon & Addington Village | Neighbourhood | 10,989 | 761 | 69.3 |
| Coulsdon Town | Neighbourhood | 13,915 | 895 | 64.3 |
| Norbury Park | Neighbourhood | 9,411 | 604 | 64.2 |
| Shirley South | Neighbourhood | 9,589 | 607 | 63.3 |
| Purley Oaks & Riddlesdown | Neighbourhood | 10,177 | 604 | 59.3 |
| Old Coulsdon | Neighbourhood | 11,126 | 626 | 56.3 |
| Selsdon Vale & Forestdale | Neighbourhood | 10,039 | 527 | 52.5 |
| Kenley | Neighbourhood | 12,190 | 573 | 47.0 |
| Sanderstead | Neighbourhood | 14,719 | 530 | 36.0 |
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 Croydon district over the 12 months to July 2026.
| Location | Crimes |
|---|---|
| On or near Supermarket | 2,553 |
| On or near Petrol Station | 1,634 |
| On or near Parking Area | 839 |
| On or near North End | 688 |
| On or near Further/Higher Educational Building | 658 |
| On or near Hospital | 437 |
| On or near Shopping Area | 406 |
| On or near Dingwall Road | 335 |
| On or near Police Station | 295 |
| On or near High Street | 277 |
The latest recorded outcome for crimes in Croydon 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 | 13,707 | 32.2% |
| Unable to prosecute suspect | 9,618 | 22.6% |
| Not recorded | 8,808 | 20.7% |
| Under investigation | 4,977 | 11.7% |
| Status update unavailable | 2,085 | 4.9% |
| Awaiting court outcome | 1,336 | 3.1% |
| Local resolution | 806 | 1.9% |
| Action to be taken by another organisation | 514 | 1.2% |
| Court result unavailable | 401 | 0.9% |
| Offender given penalty notice | 148 | 0.3% |
| Offender given a caution | 91 | 0.2% |
| Formal action is not in the public interest | 71 | 0.2% |
Croydon district has an estimated population of 409,342. On the England IoD 2025, the average neighbourhood in Croydon district sits in decile 5.0, close to the middle. Deprivation and recorded crime are linked, but many other factors shape local crime rates.
| Measure | Croydon district |
|---|---|
| Aged 0 to 15 | 20.3% |
| Aged 16 to 64 | 65.9% |
| Aged 65 and over | 13.9% |
| Homes owned outright or with a mortgage | 56.1% |
| Social rented homes | 17.9% |
| Private rented homes | 25.8% |
| Average deprivation decile (1 = most deprived, 10 = least) | 5.0 |
| Residents in the most deprived 10% of areas | 3.8% |
Is Croydon district a safe place to live?
Croydon district recorded 104.0 crimes per 1,000 residents in the 12 months to July 2026, close to 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 Croydon district?
Violence and sexual offences was the most common category, with 12,788 reports in the 12 months to July 2026, followed by anti-social behaviour (8,808).
Is crime in Croydon district going up or down?
Recorded crime in Croydon district was down 3% on the year before: 42,591 crimes in the 12 months to July 2026 against 43,773 in the previous 12 months.
Which police force covers Croydon district?
Croydon 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 Croydon district. Crimes recorded by British Transport Police are not included.
Population figures are ONS mid-year estimates. See the methodology for details.