Crime in Bromley: statistics, rates and trends
28,632 crimes were recorded in Bromley in the 12 months to July 2026, 88.0 per 1,000 residents. That is close to the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and almost unchanged on the year before.
Table of Contents
- Crime in Bromley at a glance
- Crime trends in Bromley
- Types of crime in Bromley
- Bromley compared with nearby towns
- Areas within Bromley
- Streets with the most crime in Bromley
- What happened after crimes were reported in Bromley
- Population and deprivation in Bromley
- Questions about crime in Bromley
- About this data
28,632 crimes were recorded in Bromley in the 12 months to July 2026, 88.0 per 1,000 residents. That is close to the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and almost unchanged on the year before. The most common offence was violence and sexual offences, with 7,506 reports (26% of the total).
Of the 1,408 towns covered by this site, Bromley has the 506th highest crime rate.
| Measure | Bromley | Bromley | England and Wales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimes, the 12 months to July 2026 | 28,632 | 29,229 | 5,665,700 |
| Crimes per 1,000 residents | 88.0 | 87.2 | 96.4 |
| Change on previous 12 months | -1% | -1% | -1% |
| Population | 325,335 | 335,319 | 58,797,018 |
Recorded crime in Bromley was highest in the year to July 2020 (30,772 crimes) and lowest in the year to July 2018 (27,140). Over the whole period it rose 5%, 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 | 28,632 | 88.0 | 96.4 |
| Year to July 2025 | 28,880 | 88.8 | 97.1 |
| Year to July 2024 | 28,285 | 86.9 | 97.7 |
| Year to July 2023 | 27,325 | 84.0 | 5.2 |
| Year to July 2022 | 28,266 | 86.9 | 101.3 |
| Year to July 2021 | 29,576 | 90.9 | 102.1 |
| Year to July 2020 | 30,772 | 94.6 | 101.9 |
| Year to July 2019 | 28,336 | 87.1 | 101.5 |
| Year to July 2018 | 27,140 | 83.4 | 100.6 |
Month by month
| Month | Crimes |
|---|---|
| July 2026 | 2,670 |
| June 2026 | 2,392 |
| May 2026 | 2,528 |
| April 2026 | 2,384 |
| March 2026 | 2,408 |
| February 2026 | 2,175 |
| January 2026 | 2,100 |
| December 2025 | 2,304 |
| November 2025 | 2,382 |
| October 2025 | 2,361 |
| September 2025 | 2,377 |
| August 2025 | 2,551 |
The table shows every category of crime recorded in Bromley 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, robbery.
The largest increases were in possession of weapons (+31%) and other crime (+14%). The largest falls were in criminal damage and arson (-29%) and shoplifting (-13%).
| Crime type | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Index (E&W = 1.00) | Change on year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violence and sexual offences | 7,506 | 23.1 | 0.67 | +2% |
| Anti-social behaviour | 5,564 | 17.1 | 1.11 | +5% |
| Vehicle crime | 3,384 | 10.4 | 2.11 | +7% |
| Shoplifting | 2,760 | 8.5 | 1.02 | -13% |
| Other theft | 1,863 | 5.7 | 0.90 | -1% |
| Public order | 1,802 | 5.5 | 0.83 | +10% |
| Criminal damage and arson | 1,493 | 4.6 | 0.68 | -29% |
| Drugs | 1,204 | 3.7 | 1.13 | +12% |
| Burglary | 1,197 | 3.7 | 1.04 | -10% |
| Robbery | 616 | 1.9 | 1.40 | +4% |
| Theft from the person | 571 | 1.8 | 1.04 | -12% |
| Other crime | 373 | 1.1 | 0.54 | +14% |
| Possession of weapons | 165 | 0.5 | 0.52 | +31% |
| Bicycle theft | 134 | 0.4 | 0.50 | +13% |
Violence and sexual offences in Bromley
Violence and sexual offences covers offences against the person, from common assault to homicide, and sexual offences. Bromley recorded 7,506 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (23.1 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 34.2, and up 2% on the year before. It made up 26.2% of all crime in the area.
Anti-social behaviour in Bromley
Anti-social behaviour covers personal, environmental and nuisance anti-social behaviour. Bromley recorded 5,564 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (17.1 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 15.3, and up 5% on the year before. It made up 19.4% of all crime in the area.
Vehicle crime in Bromley
Vehicle crime covers theft of or from a vehicle, and interfering with a vehicle. Bromley recorded 3,384 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (10.4 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 4.9, and up 7% on the year before. It made up 11.8% of all crime in the area.
Shoplifting in Bromley
Shoplifting covers theft from shops or stalls. Bromley recorded 2,760 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (8.5 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 8.3, and down 13% on the year before. It made up 9.6% of all crime in the area.
Other theft in Bromley
Other theft covers theft not covered by another category, such as theft by an employee or of unattended items. Bromley recorded 1,863 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (5.7 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 6.4, and almost unchanged on the year before. It made up 6.5% of all crime in the area.
Public order in Bromley
Public order covers offences that cause fear, alarm or distress. Bromley recorded 1,802 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (5.5 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.6, and up 10% on the year before. It made up 6.3% of all crime in the area.
Criminal damage and arson in Bromley
Criminal damage and arson covers deliberate damage to property, including setting fire to it. Bromley recorded 1,493 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (4.6 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.8, and down 29% on the year before. It made up 5.2% of all crime in the area.
Drugs in Bromley
Drugs covers possession, supply and production of controlled drugs. Bromley recorded 1,204 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (3.7 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 3.3, and up 12% on the year before. It made up 4.2% of all crime in the area.
Burglary in Bromley
Burglary covers entering a home or other building as a trespasser to steal, or with intent to steal. Bromley recorded 1,197 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (3.7 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 3.5, and down 10% on the year before. It made up 4.2% of all crime in the area.
Robbery in Bromley
Robbery covers theft using force or the threat of force. Bromley recorded 616 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.9 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 1.4, and up 4% on the year before. It made up 2.2% of all crime in the area.
Theft from the person in Bromley
Theft from the person covers theft of property carried on the person, such as pickpocketing, without force. Bromley recorded 571 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.8 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 1.7, and down 12% on the year before. It made up 2.0% of all crime in the area.
Other crime in Bromley
Other crime covers offences not covered by another category, such as forgery and perjury. Bromley recorded 373 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 up 14% on the year before. It made up 1.3% of all crime in the area.
Possession of weapons in Bromley
Possession of weapons covers carrying or possessing a weapon such as a firearm or knife. Bromley recorded 165 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 31% on the year before. It made up 0.6% of all crime in the area.
Bicycle theft in Bromley
Bicycle theft covers the taking of a bicycle without the owner's consent. Bromley recorded 134 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.4 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 0.8, and up 13% on the year before. It made up 0.5% of all crime in the area.
Crime rates in the towns closest to Bromley, for the 12 months to July 2026. The last column shows each area's rate relative to Bromley.
22 areas within Bromley, ordered by crime rate over the 12 months to July 2026. Bromley Town had the highest rate (191.5 per 1,000) and Chelsfield the lowest (43.7). 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bromley Town | Neighbourhood | 16,578 | 3,175 | 191.5 |
| St Paul's Cray | Neighbourhood | 19,097 | 2,686 | 140.7 |
| Crystal Palace & Anerley | Neighbourhood | 12,150 | 1,667 | 137.2 |
| Penge & Cator | Neighbourhood | 20,223 | 2,687 | 132.9 |
| Mottingham | Neighbourhood | 11,211 | 1,309 | 116.8 |
| Orpington | Neighbourhood | 13,653 | 1,544 | 113.1 |
| Beckenham Town & Copers Cope | Neighbourhood | 16,018 | 1,714 | 107.0 |
| St Mary Cray | Neighbourhood | 17,549 | 1,550 | 88.3 |
| Kelsey & Eden Park | Neighbourhood | 16,880 | 1,469 | 87.0 |
| Plaistow | Neighbourhood | 13,064 | 1,104 | 84.5 |
| Bromley Common & Holwood | Neighbourhood | 17,378 | 1,256 | 72.3 |
| Darwin | Neighbourhood | 5,297 | 365 | 68.9 |
| Farnborough & Crofton | Neighbourhood | 18,854 | 1,294 | 68.6 |
| Biggin Hill | Neighbourhood | 10,225 | 670 | 65.5 |
| Chislehurst | Neighbourhood | 16,175 | 1,056 | 65.3 |
| Shortlands & Park Langley | Neighbourhood | 15,730 | 934 | 59.4 |
| Hayes & Coney Hall | Neighbourhood | 17,036 | 892 | 52.4 |
| Bickley & Sundridge | Neighbourhood | 19,306 | 1,004 | 52.0 |
| West Wickham | Neighbourhood | 15,102 | 781 | 51.7 |
| Clock House | Neighbourhood | 16,640 | 860 | 51.7 |
| Petts Wood & Knoll | Neighbourhood | 14,140 | 643 | 45.5 |
| Chelsfield | Neighbourhood | 13,013 | 569 | 43.7 |
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 Bromley over the 12 months to July 2026.
| Location | Crimes |
|---|---|
| On or near Parking Area | 1,647 |
| On or near Supermarket | 1,492 |
| On or near Shopping Area | 821 |
| On or near Petrol Station | 500 |
| On or near Eresby Drive | 366 |
| On or near Sports/Recreation Area | 315 |
| On or near High Street | 298 |
| On or near Hospital | 280 |
| On or near St Mark'S Road | 196 |
| On or near Montague Mews | 175 |
The latest recorded outcome for crimes in Bromley 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 | 10,302 | 36.0% |
| Unable to prosecute suspect | 6,012 | 21.0% |
| Not recorded | 5,564 | 19.4% |
| Under investigation | 3,208 | 11.2% |
| Status update unavailable | 1,443 | 5.0% |
| Awaiting court outcome | 947 | 3.3% |
| Local resolution | 580 | 2.0% |
| Court result unavailable | 233 | 0.8% |
| Action to be taken by another organisation | 171 | 0.6% |
| Offender given a caution | 77 | 0.3% |
| Offender given penalty notice | 43 | 0.2% |
| Formal action is not in the public interest | 36 | 0.1% |
Bromley has an estimated population of 325,335. On the England IoD 2025, the average neighbourhood in Bromley sits in decile 7.3, less deprived than average. Deprivation and recorded crime are linked, but many other factors shape local crime rates.
| Measure | Bromley |
|---|---|
| Aged 0 to 15 | 19.5% |
| Aged 16 to 64 | 62.8% |
| Aged 65 and over | 17.6% |
| Homes owned outright or with a mortgage | 68.9% |
| Social rented homes | 13.5% |
| Private rented homes | 17.6% |
| Average deprivation decile (1 = most deprived, 10 = least) | 7.3 |
| Residents in the most deprived 10% of areas | 0.6% |
Is Bromley a safe place to live?
Bromley recorded 88.0 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 Bromley?
Violence and sexual offences was the most common category, with 7,506 reports in the 12 months to July 2026, followed by anti-social behaviour (5,564).
Is crime in Bromley going up or down?
Recorded crime in Bromley was almost unchanged on the year before: 28,632 crimes in the 12 months to July 2026 against 28,880 in the previous 12 months.
Which police force covers Bromley?
Bromley 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 Bromley. Crimes recorded by British Transport Police are not included.
Population figures are ONS mid-year estimates. See the methodology for details.