Crime in Lambeth: statistics, rates and trends
48,427 crimes were recorded in Lambeth in the 12 months to July 2026, 153.6 per 1,000 residents. That is higher than the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and up 2% on the year before.
Table of Contents
- Crime in Lambeth at a glance
- Crime trends in Lambeth
- Types of crime in Lambeth
- Lambeth compared with nearby towns
- Areas within Lambeth
- Streets with the most crime in Lambeth
- What happened after crimes were reported in Lambeth
- Population and deprivation in Lambeth
- Questions about crime in Lambeth
- About this data
48,427 crimes were recorded in Lambeth in the 12 months to July 2026, 153.6 per 1,000 residents. That is higher than the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and up 2% on the year before. The most common offence was violence and sexual offences, with 11,247 reports (23% of the total).
Of the 1,408 towns covered by this site, Lambeth has the 56th highest crime rate.
| Measure | Lambeth | Lambeth | England and Wales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimes, the 12 months to July 2026 | 48,427 | 48,559 | 5,665,700 |
| Crimes per 1,000 residents | 153.6 | 153.2 | 96.4 |
| Change on previous 12 months | +2% | +2% | -1% |
| Population | 315,298 | 316,920 | 58,797,018 |
Recorded crime in Lambeth was highest in the year to July 2026 (48,427 crimes) and lowest in the year to July 2022 (42,878). Over the whole period it rose 10%, 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 | 48,427 | 153.6 | 96.4 |
| Year to July 2025 | 47,408 | 150.4 | 97.1 |
| Year to July 2024 | 46,052 | 146.1 | 97.7 |
| Year to July 2023 | 43,658 | 138.5 | 5.2 |
| Year to July 2022 | 42,878 | 136.0 | 101.3 |
| Year to July 2021 | 45,664 | 144.8 | 102.1 |
| Year to July 2020 | 45,322 | 143.7 | 101.9 |
| Year to July 2019 | 43,466 | 137.9 | 101.5 |
| Year to July 2018 | 43,857 | 139.1 | 100.6 |
Month by month
| Month | Crimes |
|---|---|
| July 2026 | 4,802 |
| June 2026 | 4,554 |
| May 2026 | 4,246 |
| April 2026 | 3,913 |
| March 2026 | 3,983 |
| February 2026 | 3,461 |
| January 2026 | 3,686 |
| December 2025 | 3,790 |
| November 2025 | 3,846 |
| October 2025 | 3,963 |
| September 2025 | 4,037 |
| August 2025 | 4,146 |
The table shows every category of crime recorded in Lambeth 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, theft from the person, other theft.
The largest increases were in possession of weapons (+54%) and bicycle theft (+22%). The largest falls were in criminal damage and arson (-30%).
| Crime type | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Index (E&W = 1.00) | Change on year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violence and sexual offences | 11,247 | 35.7 | 1.04 | +8% |
| Anti-social behaviour | 10,233 | 32.5 | 2.12 | +5% |
| Theft from the person | 4,997 | 15.8 | 9.38 | -8% |
| Other theft | 4,564 | 14.5 | 2.26 | +5% |
| Shoplifting | 3,551 | 11.3 | 1.36 | +17% |
| Vehicle crime | 2,637 | 8.4 | 1.70 | -4% |
| Public order | 2,349 | 7.5 | 1.12 | +5% |
| Robbery | 1,883 | 6.0 | 4.42 | -1% |
| Burglary | 1,787 | 5.7 | 1.60 | -8% |
| Drugs | 1,774 | 5.6 | 1.72 | -5% |
| Criminal damage and arson | 1,591 | 5.0 | 0.74 | -30% |
| Bicycle theft | 1,028 | 3.3 | 3.96 | +22% |
| Other crime | 448 | 1.4 | 0.67 | -3% |
| Possession of weapons | 338 | 1.1 | 1.10 | +54% |
Violence and sexual offences in Lambeth
Violence and sexual offences covers offences against the person, from common assault to homicide, and sexual offences. Lambeth recorded 11,247 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (35.7 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 34.2, and up 8% on the year before. It made up 23.2% of all crime in the area.
Anti-social behaviour in Lambeth
Anti-social behaviour covers personal, environmental and nuisance anti-social behaviour. Lambeth recorded 10,233 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (32.5 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 15.3, and up 5% on the year before. It made up 21.1% of all crime in the area.
Theft from the person in Lambeth
Theft from the person covers theft of property carried on the person, such as pickpocketing, without force. Lambeth recorded 4,997 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (15.8 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 1.7, and down 8% on the year before. It made up 10.3% of all crime in the area.
Other theft in Lambeth
Other theft covers theft not covered by another category, such as theft by an employee or of unattended items. Lambeth recorded 4,564 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (14.5 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 6.4, and up 5% on the year before. It made up 9.4% of all crime in the area.
Shoplifting in Lambeth
Shoplifting covers theft from shops or stalls. Lambeth recorded 3,551 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (11.3 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 8.3, and up 17% on the year before. It made up 7.3% of all crime in the area.
Vehicle crime in Lambeth
Vehicle crime covers theft of or from a vehicle, and interfering with a vehicle. Lambeth recorded 2,637 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (8.4 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 4.9, and down 4% on the year before. It made up 5.4% of all crime in the area.
Public order in Lambeth
Public order covers offences that cause fear, alarm or distress. Lambeth recorded 2,349 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (7.5 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 6.6, and up 5% on the year before. It made up 4.9% of all crime in the area.
Robbery in Lambeth
Robbery covers theft using force or the threat of force. Lambeth recorded 1,883 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (6.0 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 1.4, and down 1% on the year before. It made up 3.9% of all crime in the area.
Burglary in Lambeth
Burglary covers entering a home or other building as a trespasser to steal, or with intent to steal. Lambeth recorded 1,787 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (5.7 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 3.5, and down 8% on the year before. It made up 3.7% of all crime in the area.
Drugs in Lambeth
Drugs covers possession, supply and production of controlled drugs. Lambeth recorded 1,774 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (5.6 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 3.3, and down 5% on the year before. It made up 3.7% of all crime in the area.
Criminal damage and arson in Lambeth
Criminal damage and arson covers deliberate damage to property, including setting fire to it. Lambeth recorded 1,591 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (5.0 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.8, and down 30% on the year before. It made up 3.3% of all crime in the area.
Bicycle theft in Lambeth
Bicycle theft covers the taking of a bicycle without the owner's consent. Lambeth recorded 1,028 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (3.3 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 0.8, and up 22% on the year before. It made up 2.1% of all crime in the area.
Other crime in Lambeth
Other crime covers offences not covered by another category, such as forgery and perjury. Lambeth recorded 448 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.4 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 2.1, and down 3% on the year before. It made up 0.9% of all crime in the area.
Possession of weapons in Lambeth
Possession of weapons covers carrying or possessing a weapon such as a firearm or knife. Lambeth recorded 338 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.1 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 1.0, and up 54% on the year before. It made up 0.7% of all crime in the area.
Crime rates in the towns closest to Lambeth, for the 12 months to July 2026. The last column shows each area's rate relative to Lambeth.
| Town | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Rate vs Lambeth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwark | 49,003 | 155.7 | +1% |
| Wandsworth | 33,499 | 99.2 | -35% |
| Lewisham | 36,975 | 122.7 | -20% |
| City and County of the City of London | 9,805 | 648.9 | +322% |
| Merton | 16,295 | 74.6 | -51% |
| Kensington and Chelsea | 25,550 | 176.8 | +15% |
| City of Westminster | 87,349 | 416.0 | +171% |
| Hammersmith and Fulham | 26,219 | 139.0 | -10% |
25 areas within Lambeth, ordered by crime rate over the 12 months to July 2026. Waterloo & South Bank had the highest rate (662.9 per 1,000) and Streatham Wells the lowest (67.9). 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterloo & South Bank | Neighbourhood | 9,648 | 6,396 | 662.9 |
| Brixton Windrush | Neighbourhood | 10,826 | 3,877 | 358.1 |
| Vauxhall | Neighbourhood | 12,480 | 3,301 | 264.5 |
| Clapham East | Neighbourhood | 11,225 | 2,450 | 218.3 |
| Brixton Acre Lane | Neighbourhood | 12,944 | 2,508 | 193.8 |
| Clapham Town | Neighbourhood | 14,211 | 2,515 | 177.0 |
| Herne Hill & Loughborough Junction | Neighbourhood | 15,619 | 2,337 | 149.6 |
| Brixton North | Neighbourhood | 16,613 | 2,477 | 149.1 |
| Streatham St Leonard's | Neighbourhood | 16,063 | 2,359 | 146.9 |
| Kennington | Neighbourhood | 16,051 | 2,200 | 137.1 |
| Oval | Neighbourhood | 9,403 | 1,145 | 121.8 |
| Stockwell West & Larkhall | Neighbourhood | 17,194 | 2,084 | 121.2 |
| St Martin's | Neighbourhood | 12,220 | 1,443 | 118.1 |
| Knight's Hill | Neighbourhood | 14,469 | 1,522 | 105.2 |
| Stockwell East | Neighbourhood | 11,443 | 1,200 | 104.9 |
| Streatham Common & Vale | Neighbourhood | 16,612 | 1,728 | 104.0 |
| Myatt's Fields | Neighbourhood | 9,765 | 974 | 99.7 |
| Gipsy Hill | Neighbourhood | 12,382 | 1,229 | 99.3 |
| Clapham Common & Abbeville | Neighbourhood | 11,237 | 1,062 | 94.5 |
| Streatham Hill East | Neighbourhood | 12,150 | 1,146 | 94.3 |
| Brixton Rush Common | Neighbourhood | 15,355 | 1,400 | 91.2 |
| West Dulwich | Neighbourhood | 8,072 | 720 | 89.2 |
| Clapham Park | Neighbourhood | 10,064 | 882 | 87.6 |
| Streatham Hill West & Thornton | Neighbourhood | 11,179 | 946 | 84.6 |
| Streatham Wells | Neighbourhood | 9,695 | 658 | 67.9 |
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 Lambeth over the 12 months to July 2026.
| Location | Crimes |
|---|---|
| On or near Supermarket | 2,366 |
| On or near Nightclub | 1,196 |
| On or near Hospital | 1,094 |
| On or near Theatre/Concert Hall | 944 |
| On or near Parking Area | 913 |
| On or near Brixton | 813 |
| On or near Shopping Area | 809 |
| On or near Further/Higher Educational Building | 734 |
| On or near Police Station | 477 |
| On or near Petrol Station | 423 |
The latest recorded outcome for crimes in Lambeth 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 | 21,017 | 43.4% |
| Not recorded | 10,233 | 21.1% |
| Unable to prosecute suspect | 8,603 | 17.8% |
| Under investigation | 3,423 | 7.1% |
| Awaiting court outcome | 2,131 | 4.4% |
| Status update unavailable | 1,578 | 3.3% |
| Court result unavailable | 557 | 1.2% |
| Local resolution | 418 | 0.9% |
| Action to be taken by another organisation | 246 | 0.5% |
| Formal action is not in the public interest | 113 | 0.2% |
| Offender given penalty notice | 42 | 0.1% |
| Offender given a caution | 29 | 0.1% |
Lambeth has an estimated population of 315,298. On the England IoD 2025, the average neighbourhood in Lambeth sits in decile 4.5, close to the middle. Deprivation and recorded crime are linked, but many other factors shape local crime rates.
| Measure | Lambeth |
|---|---|
| Aged 0 to 15 | 14.2% |
| Aged 16 to 64 | 76.3% |
| Aged 65 and over | 9.4% |
| Homes owned outright or with a mortgage | 34.7% |
| Social rented homes | 33.7% |
| Private rented homes | 31.5% |
| Average deprivation decile (1 = most deprived, 10 = least) | 4.5 |
| Residents in the most deprived 10% of areas | 0.5% |
Is Lambeth a safe place to live?
Lambeth recorded 153.6 crimes per 1,000 residents in the 12 months to July 2026, higher 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 Lambeth?
Violence and sexual offences was the most common category, with 11,247 reports in the 12 months to July 2026, followed by anti-social behaviour (10,233).
Is crime in Lambeth going up or down?
Recorded crime in Lambeth was up 2% on the year before: 48,427 crimes in the 12 months to July 2026 against 47,408 in the previous 12 months.
Which police force covers Lambeth?
Lambeth 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 Lambeth. Crimes recorded by British Transport Police are not included.
Population figures are ONS mid-year estimates. See the methodology for details.