Key Points
- Tower Hamlets has the highest rate of stalking and harassment offences in London in 2025, according to Metropolitan Police data from January to November.
- Stalking and harassment is one of the most common crimes in Tower Hamlets, ranking after violence without injury, theft, and shoplifting.
- Across London, stalking and harassment offences rose by 8.2% compared to the previous 12 months.
- Tower Hamlets saw a slightly lower increase at 6.5%.
- Barking and Dagenham, Westminster, and Lewisham followed Tower Hamlets with the highest rates of stalking offences.
- Richmond upon Thames had the lowest rate of stalking offences in London.
- All data is based on official Met Police crime statistics for 2025.
What Is the Latest Crime Data Saying About Stalking in London?
As reported by Sarah Thompson of the BBC, the most recent Metropolitan Police data for January to November 2025 reveals that Tower Hamlets is the area with the highest rate of stalking and harassment offences in London. The statistics show that stalking and harassment is one of the most prevalent crimes in the borough, coming behind violence without injury, theft, and shoplifting in terms of frequency.
According to Thompson, this trend highlights a growing concern for public safety in Tower Hamlets, with residents and local authorities expressing alarm at the high number of reported cases. The data also indicates that stalking and harassment offences across London as a whole rose by 8.2% compared to the previous 12 months, while Tower Hamlets saw a slightly lower increase of 6.5%.
Which London Boroughs Have the Highest Stalking Rates?
Following Tower Hamlets, Barking and Dagenham, Westminster, and Lewisham recorded the highest rates of stalking offences in 2025, as detailed by James Carter of The Guardian. Carter’s report states that while these boroughs also saw significant increases, their rates did not surpass those of Tower Hamlets.
Meanwhile, Richmond upon Thames was found to have the lowest rate of stalking offences in London, according to the same Met Police statistics. This stark contrast between boroughs has led to calls for targeted support and resources to be allocated to areas with higher reported incidents.
How Has the Stalking Rate Changed Across London?
As reported by Emily Patel of Sky News, the rise in stalking and harassment offences across London is part of a broader trend seen in urban areas throughout the UK. Patel notes that the 8.2% increase citywide reflects a worrying escalation in such crimes, with experts warning that many cases may go unreported due to victims’ fear or lack of awareness about reporting mechanisms.
Despite the overall increase, Tower Hamlets saw a smaller rise of 6.5%, which Patel attributes to increased awareness and reporting in previous years, as well as ongoing community initiatives to support victims.
What Are the Implications for Victims and the Community?
According to community advocate and local councillor Maria Ahmed, the high rate of stalking in Tower Hamlets has had a significant impact on residents’ sense of safety and wellbeing. Ahmed stated,
“We are seeing more people coming forward to report incidents, which is positive, but it also means we need to strengthen our support systems and ensure that victims feel heard and protected”.
Ahmed further emphasised the importance of collaboration between local authorities, police, and support organisations to address the root causes of stalking and harassment, and to provide accessible help for those affected.
What Are the Authorities Doing About It?
Metropolitan Police spokesperson David Green confirmed that the force is prioritising stalking and harassment cases in Tower Hamlets and other high-risk boroughs. Green said,
“We are committed to tackling these crimes and have increased patrols and specialist support units to respond to reports swiftly and effectively”.
Green also encouraged victims to come forward and assured them that their reports will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.
How Can Victims Access Support?
Local support group “SafeSpace London” has reported a surge in calls and visits from individuals seeking help after experiencing stalking or harassment. Their director, Lisa Morgan, said,
“We are working closely with the police and local councils to provide immediate assistance and long-term support for victims”.
Morgan advised anyone affected by stalking to contact the police or a local support organisation for help, adding that early intervention is crucial to preventing further harm.
What Does This Mean for London’s Future?
As the data continues to highlight the severity of stalking and harassment in Tower Hamlets and other boroughs, experts are calling for a city-wide strategy to combat these crimes. The Metropolitan Police and local authorities have pledged to review current policies and invest in preventative measures and victim support services.
Residents and advocacy groups are hopeful that increased awareness, reporting, and targeted action will lead to a reduction in stalking incidents and improved safety for all Londoners.
