Key Points
- Lewisham reports 2,302 crimes in January 2025, the highest in South East London.
- Violence against individuals was the most common crime, with 688 cases.
- 501 were non-injury violence, and 187 involved injuries.
- Theft ranked second, with 503 offences reported.
- Included 141 shoplifting incidents, 104 thefts from persons, and 32 bicycle thefts.
- Vehicle offences were the third most common, with 259 cases.
- 119 involved stealing from vehicles, and 110 were vehicle thefts.
- Drug offences ranked fourth, with 195 cases.
- 99 cases were drug possession, and 96 were drug trafficking.
- Possession of weapons was the least reported crime, with only 12 cases.
- Metropolitan Police carried out 30 arrests in recent weeks, including theft and possession of weapons.
- Police call for public cooperation to tackle crime effectively.
Lewisham Tops Crime Rates in South East London with Over 2,300 Offences in January
Why is Lewisham the most dangerous borough in South East London?
Lewisham recorded 2,302 crimes in January 2025, making it the most crime-affected borough in South East London, according to data from the Metropolitan Police. While this marks a slight decrease from December’s 2,340 offences, the numbers highlight an ongoing struggle with criminal activity in the area.
The most prevalent crime in the borough was violence against individuals, with 688 incidents reported. Of these, 501 were non-injury violence, and 187 involved injuries. Theft was the second most reported offence, with 503 cases, including 141 instances of shoplifting and 104 thefts from persons.
What were the other leading types of crime in Lewisham?
Vehicle offences were the third most common crime in Lewisham, with 259 incidents. Among these, 119 involved theft from vehicles, 110 involved vehicle theft, and 28 involved vehicle interference. Additionally, drug offences ranked fourth, with 195 cases reported, including 99 instances of possession and 96 of trafficking.
The least frequent crime in the borough was the possession of weapons, with only 12 reports in January.
How are the police addressing crime in Lewisham?
The Metropolitan Police have stated they are actively working to address the high crime rates in the borough. A Met Police spokesperson emphasised the presence of a dedicated team in Lewisham Town Centre and the ongoing collaboration with businesses, retailers, and the local community.
“We work closely with retailers, the community, and partners to achieve this. Retail theft, which can sometimes escalate to staff being assaulted, is one area where we’ve been targeting offenders,” said the spokesperson.
In recent weeks, officers have made 30 arrests for various offences, including theft and possession of weapons. Two individuals were apprehended on 25 January with £450 worth of stolen goods and tools used for bypassing security devices.
What are police doing to combat violent and sexual crimes?
Violent and sexual crimes remain a key concern for residents, according to the Metropolitan Police. The spokesperson noted that resources are being dedicated to removing high-harm offenders and seeking Criminal Behaviour Orders to prevent repeat offences. “We are supported by experienced pan-London units when needed,” they added.
How can the public help tackle crime in Lewisham?
Police have urged residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. The spokesperson encouraged residents to contact their local safer neighbourhoods team, dial 101 for non-urgent matters, or call 999 in emergencies.
“We always need the help of the public,” they said. “If you have any information about criminality, no matter how insignificant you think it is, we would ask you to get in touch.”
