London businesses, brace yourselves. If you thought commercial crime was just another urban myth, think again. According to fresh stats from the Metropolitan Police, Westminster has secured itself an unfortunate top spot as the borough with the highest commercial property crime rate. The findings, compiled by Integrated Fencing, reveal just how risky certain boroughs are when it comes to break-ins and thefts.
Westminster Leads London in Commercial Property Crime
The research highlights a 61.34% increase in commercial property crime in Westminster between 2021 and 2024, with an average of 80.075 incidents per 1,000 people. Businesses in Camden aren’t faring much better, with a 30.38% increase, making it the second-most affected borough. Meanwhile, Islington, sitting at third, has seen only a 0.29% rise but still reports 21.6 incidents per 1,000 people.
Not all boroughs are seeing a surge, though. Southwark, Hillingdon, and Hackney have all recorded a decrease in commercial crimes, but the risk is far from eliminated.
Which London Boroughs Are Most Affected by Commercial Crime?
Here’s the full ranking of boroughs based on percentage increases and incidents per 1,000 people:
| Rank | Borough | % Increase (2021-2024) | Incidents per 1,000 People |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Westminster | 61.34% | 80.075 |
| 2 | Camden | 30.38% | 33.775 |
| 3 | Islington | 0.29% | 21.6 |
| 4 | Kensington & Chelsea | -0.03% | 30 |
| 5 | Newham | -5.96% | 17.15 |
| 6 | Southwark | -11.75% | 21.4 |
| 7 | Hillingdon | -16.95% | 13.7 |
| 8 | Lambeth | -17.57% | 18.875 |
| 9 | Tower Hamlets | -19.39% | 17.925 |
| 10 | Hackney | -20.86% | 18.775 |
Despite a decline in crime rates in some areas, the incident rate remains high across the city, highlighting an ongoing concern for businesses.
What’s Behind the Surge in Commercial Crime?
Westminster’s staggering 61.34% increase in commercial property crime raises a big question: why? A combination of high foot traffic, tourism, and prime retail spaces makes the borough an attractive target for criminal activity. Camden’s rise in incidents also aligns with its growing hospitality and nightlife sectors, which naturally present more opportunities for theft.
On the flip side, boroughs like Hackney and Tower Hamlets have seen declines, likely due to increased security measures and business owners investing in better surveillance and crime prevention strategies.
How Businesses Can Protect Themselves
Richard Salmon, Construction Director and Co-Owner of Integrated Fencing, stresses the importance of robust perimeter security. He advises business owners to take crime prevention seriously:
“While commercial crime figures appear to be on a downward trend for the vast majority of boroughs in the capital, the incident rate per 1,000 people is still high for all areas when you take into account that we just analysed crimes against commercial properties.”
Translation? Even if crime is technically declining, businesses shouldn’t get too comfortable. Here’s what they can do to stay ahead:
- Upgrade Security Systems – CCTV, alarm systems, and smart locks are essential investments.
- Strengthen Perimeter Fencing – A physical barrier can prevent easy break-ins.
- Train Staff on Security Measures – Employees should know how to spot suspicious activity and respond appropriately.
- Collaborate with Local Police & Security Experts – Understanding the crime landscape helps businesses stay prepared.
Is London’s Commercial Crime Trend Here to Stay?
With ONS data showing a 52% rise in commercial property theft across the UK in 2024, businesses in London need to stay vigilant. While some boroughs have seen declines, the overall risk remains high—especially in central areas like Westminster, Camden, and Islington.
Integrated Fencing’s full findings and security tips can be found here:
👉 Read the full report
