Crime in Waltham Forest: statistics, rates and trends
29,474 crimes were recorded in Waltham Forest in the 12 months to July 2026, 105.4 per 1,000 residents. That is close to the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and down 5% on the year before.
Table of Contents
- Crime in Waltham Forest at a glance
- Crime trends in Waltham Forest
- Types of crime in Waltham Forest
- Waltham Forest compared with nearby towns
- Areas within Waltham Forest
- Streets with the most crime in Waltham Forest
- What happened after crimes were reported in Waltham Forest
- Population and deprivation in Waltham Forest
- Questions about crime in Waltham Forest
- About this data
29,474 crimes were recorded in Waltham Forest in the 12 months to July 2026, 105.4 per 1,000 residents. That is close to the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and down 5% on the year before. The most common offence was violence and sexual offences, with 7,359 reports (25% of the total).
Of the 1,408 towns covered by this site, Waltham Forest has the 299th highest crime rate.
| Measure | Waltham Forest | Waltham Forest | England and Wales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimes, the 12 months to July 2026 | 29,474 | 29,474 | 5,665,700 |
| Crimes per 1,000 residents | 105.4 | 105.4 | 96.4 |
| Change on previous 12 months | -5% | -5% | -1% |
| Population | 279,737 | 279,737 | 58,797,018 |
Recorded crime in Waltham Forest was highest in the year to July 2020 (34,402 crimes) and lowest in the year to July 2023 (29,080). Over the whole period it rose 1%, 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 | 29,474 | 105.4 | 96.4 |
| Year to July 2025 | 31,083 | 111.1 | 97.1 |
| Year to July 2024 | 31,965 | 114.3 | 97.7 |
| Year to July 2023 | 29,080 | 104.0 | 5.2 |
| Year to July 2022 | 29,334 | 104.9 | 101.3 |
| Year to July 2021 | 32,912 | 117.7 | 102.1 |
| Year to July 2020 | 34,402 | 123.0 | 101.9 |
| Year to July 2019 | 30,293 | 108.3 | 101.5 |
| Year to July 2018 | 29,101 | 104.0 | 100.6 |
Month by month
| Month | Crimes |
|---|---|
| July 2026 | 2,620 |
| June 2026 | 2,513 |
| May 2026 | 2,554 |
| April 2026 | 2,391 |
| March 2026 | 2,445 |
| February 2026 | 2,238 |
| January 2026 | 2,375 |
| December 2025 | 2,369 |
| November 2025 | 2,548 |
| October 2025 | 2,549 |
| September 2025 | 2,471 |
| August 2025 | 2,401 |
The table shows every category of crime recorded in Waltham Forest 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, other theft.
The largest increases were in possession of weapons (+24%). The largest falls were in criminal damage and arson (-30%) and theft from the person (-30%).
| Crime type | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Index (E&W = 1.00) | Change on year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violence and sexual offences | 7,359 | 26.3 | 0.77 | +9% |
| Anti-social behaviour | 6,889 | 24.6 | 1.61 | -1% |
| Vehicle crime | 2,502 | 8.9 | 1.82 | -24% |
| Other theft | 2,316 | 8.3 | 1.29 | +2% |
| Shoplifting | 2,133 | 7.6 | 0.92 | +2% |
| Drugs | 1,608 | 5.7 | 1.76 | -3% |
| Public order | 1,407 | 5.0 | 0.76 | -3% |
| Burglary | 1,304 | 4.7 | 1.32 | -1% |
| Theft from the person | 1,267 | 4.5 | 2.68 | -30% |
| Criminal damage and arson | 1,139 | 4.1 | 0.60 | -30% |
| Robbery | 715 | 2.6 | 1.89 | -24% |
| Bicycle theft | 356 | 1.3 | 1.55 | -16% |
| Other crime | 302 | 1.1 | 0.51 | -6% |
| Possession of weapons | 177 | 0.6 | 0.65 | +24% |
Violence and sexual offences in Waltham Forest
Violence and sexual offences covers offences against the person, from common assault to homicide, and sexual offences. Waltham Forest recorded 7,359 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (26.3 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 34.2, and up 9% on the year before. It made up 25.0% of all crime in the area.
Anti-social behaviour in Waltham Forest
Anti-social behaviour covers personal, environmental and nuisance anti-social behaviour. Waltham Forest recorded 6,889 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (24.6 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 15.3, and down 1% on the year before. It made up 23.4% of all crime in the area.
Vehicle crime in Waltham Forest
Vehicle crime covers theft of or from a vehicle, and interfering with a vehicle. Waltham Forest recorded 2,502 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (8.9 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 4.9, and down 24% on the year before. It made up 8.5% of all crime in the area.
Other theft in Waltham Forest
Other theft covers theft not covered by another category, such as theft by an employee or of unattended items. Waltham Forest recorded 2,316 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (8.3 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 6.4, and up 2% on the year before. It made up 7.9% of all crime in the area.
Shoplifting in Waltham Forest
Shoplifting covers theft from shops or stalls. Waltham Forest recorded 2,133 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (7.6 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 8.3, and up 2% on the year before. It made up 7.2% of all crime in the area.
Drugs in Waltham Forest
Drugs covers possession, supply and production of controlled drugs. Waltham Forest recorded 1,608 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (5.7 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 3.3, and down 3% on the year before. It made up 5.5% of all crime in the area.
Public order in Waltham Forest
Public order covers offences that cause fear, alarm or distress. Waltham Forest recorded 1,407 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (5.0 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.6, and down 3% on the year before. It made up 4.8% of all crime in the area.
Burglary in Waltham Forest
Burglary covers entering a home or other building as a trespasser to steal, or with intent to steal. Waltham Forest recorded 1,304 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (4.7 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 3.5, and almost unchanged on the year before. It made up 4.4% of all crime in the area.
Theft from the person in Waltham Forest
Theft from the person covers theft of property carried on the person, such as pickpocketing, without force. Waltham Forest recorded 1,267 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (4.5 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 1.7, and down 30% on the year before. It made up 4.3% of all crime in the area.
Criminal damage and arson in Waltham Forest
Criminal damage and arson covers deliberate damage to property, including setting fire to it. Waltham Forest recorded 1,139 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (4.1 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.8, and down 30% on the year before. It made up 3.9% of all crime in the area.
Robbery in Waltham Forest
Robbery covers theft using force or the threat of force. Waltham Forest recorded 715 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.6 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 1.4, and down 24% on the year before. It made up 2.4% of all crime in the area.
Bicycle theft in Waltham Forest
Bicycle theft covers the taking of a bicycle without the owner's consent. Waltham Forest recorded 356 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.3 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 0.8, and down 16% on the year before. It made up 1.2% of all crime in the area.
Other crime in Waltham Forest
Other crime covers offences not covered by another category, such as forgery and perjury. Waltham Forest recorded 302 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 6% on the year before. It made up 1.0% of all crime in the area.
Possession of weapons in Waltham Forest
Possession of weapons covers carrying or possessing a weapon such as a firearm or knife. Waltham Forest recorded 177 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.6 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.0, and up 24% on the year before. It made up 0.6% of all crime in the area.
Crime rates in the towns closest to Waltham Forest, for the 12 months to July 2026. The last column shows each area's rate relative to Waltham Forest.
22 areas within Waltham Forest, ordered by crime rate over the 12 months to July 2026. High Street had the highest rate (235.7 per 1,000) and Endlebury the lowest (57.2). 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Street | Neighbourhood | 10,809 | 2,548 | 235.7 |
| Leytonstone | Neighbourhood | 12,089 | 2,572 | 212.8 |
| Lea Bridge | Neighbourhood | 17,462 | 2,449 | 140.2 |
| Leyton | Neighbourhood | 12,933 | 1,608 | 124.3 |
| Valley | Neighbourhood | 15,995 | 1,953 | 122.1 |
| Hoe Street | Neighbourhood | 14,221 | 1,658 | 116.6 |
| Cathall | Neighbourhood | 10,971 | 1,220 | 111.2 |
| Wood Street | Neighbourhood | 10,960 | 1,161 | 105.9 |
| Forest | Neighbourhood | 17,131 | 1,638 | 95.6 |
| Cann Hall | Neighbourhood | 15,373 | 1,414 | 92.0 |
| St James | Neighbourhood | 15,540 | 1,423 | 91.6 |
| Chingford Green | Neighbourhood | 10,712 | 980 | 91.5 |
| Chapel End | Neighbourhood | 12,556 | 1,131 | 90.1 |
| William Morris | Neighbourhood | 13,995 | 1,170 | 83.6 |
| Grove Green | Neighbourhood | 14,551 | 1,204 | 82.7 |
| Higham Hill | Neighbourhood | 15,449 | 1,260 | 81.6 |
| Markhouse | Neighbourhood | 7,931 | 623 | 78.6 |
| Hale End & Highams Park South | Neighbourhood | 10,689 | 827 | 77.4 |
| Larkswood | Neighbourhood | 12,937 | 917 | 70.9 |
| Hatch Lane & Highams Park North | Neighbourhood | 11,414 | 744 | 65.2 |
| Upper Walthamstow | Neighbourhood | 7,797 | 504 | 64.6 |
| Endlebury | Neighbourhood | 8,222 | 470 | 57.2 |
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 Waltham Forest over the 12 months to July 2026.
| Location | Crimes |
|---|---|
| On or near Supermarket | 1,460 |
| On or near Parking Area | 941 |
| On or near Further/Higher Educational Building | 859 |
| On or near Petrol Station | 570 |
| On or near Lea Bridge Road | 280 |
| On or near Hoe Street | 217 |
| On or near Gillards Way | 204 |
| On or near Lynn Road | 188 |
| On or near Forest Road | 184 |
| On or near St James'S Street | 175 |
The latest recorded outcome for crimes in Waltham Forest 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 | 10,348 | 35.1% |
| Not recorded | 6,889 | 23.4% |
| Unable to prosecute suspect | 5,155 | 17.5% |
| Under investigation | 3,140 | 10.7% |
| Status update unavailable | 1,760 | 6.0% |
| Awaiting court outcome | 920 | 3.1% |
| Local resolution | 644 | 2.2% |
| Court result unavailable | 269 | 0.9% |
| Action to be taken by another organisation | 128 | 0.4% |
| Offender given penalty notice | 123 | 0.4% |
| Formal action is not in the public interest | 40 | 0.1% |
| Offender given a caution | 39 | 0.1% |
Waltham Forest has an estimated population of 279,737. On the England IoD 2025, the average neighbourhood in Waltham Forest sits in decile 4.4, more deprived than average. Deprivation and recorded crime are linked, but many other factors shape local crime rates.
| Measure | Waltham Forest |
|---|---|
| Aged 0 to 15 | 20.0% |
| Aged 16 to 64 | 69.2% |
| Aged 65 and over | 10.7% |
| Homes owned outright or with a mortgage | 50.6% |
| Social rented homes | 21.5% |
| Private rented homes | 27.8% |
| Average deprivation decile (1 = most deprived, 10 = least) | 4.4 |
| Residents in the most deprived 10% of areas | 0.6% |
Is Waltham Forest a safe place to live?
Waltham Forest recorded 105.4 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 Waltham Forest?
Violence and sexual offences was the most common category, with 7,359 reports in the 12 months to July 2026, followed by anti-social behaviour (6,889).
Is crime in Waltham Forest going up or down?
Recorded crime in Waltham Forest was down 5% on the year before: 29,474 crimes in the 12 months to July 2026 against 31,083 in the previous 12 months.
Which police force covers Waltham Forest?
Waltham Forest 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 Waltham Forest. Crimes recorded by British Transport Police are not included.
Population figures are ONS mid-year estimates. See the methodology for details.