South East London Highest Crime Jan 2026

Key Points

• Metropolitan Police figures reveal Southwark recorded the highest number of criminal offences in south east London for January, with 3,070 crimes reported.
• South east London, encompassing Bromley, Bexley, Greenwich, Lewisham, and Southwark, saw an overall fall in reported crime in January compared to December.
• A total of 10,617 offences were logged across south east London in January, down 1.8 per cent from 10,961 in December, continuing a slight downward trend.
• Theft was the most common offence in Southwark, with 1,230 incidents, followed by violence against the person with 713 reports.
• Southwark also reported 184 burglaries, 169 arson and criminal damage offences, 168 vehicle offences, 161 robberies, and 132 public order offences.
• Theft and violent crime together accounted for more than half of all offences in Southwark.
• Lewisham had the second-highest crime total in the region, with 2,355 offences in January, marking a small 0.6 per cent increase from the previous month.

South East London (East London Times) February 18, 2026 – Metropolitan Police figures have revealed that Southwark recorded the highest number of criminal offences among south east London boroughs in January, with 3,070 crimes reported. This comes amid an overall decline in crime across the region, which includes Bromley, Bexley, Greenwich, Lewisham, and Southwark, where total offences dropped by 1.8 per cent to 10,617 from 10,961 in December. Theft emerged as the leading offence type in Southwark, accounting for 1,230 incidents, while violence against the person followed with 713 cases, together comprising more than half of all recorded crimes in the borough.​

Which Borough Recorded the Highest Crime in January?

Southwark topped the list for criminal offences in south east London during January, as per the latest Metropolitan Police data analysed by local reporters. The borough logged 3,070 offences, making it the clear leader among its neighbours. As reported by the East London Times news team, this figure underscores persistent challenges in urban crime hotspots despite regional improvements.​

The dominance of theft, with 1,230 incidents, highlights a notable trend in property-related crimes. Violence against the person, at 713 reports, ranked second, reflecting ongoing concerns over personal safety. Additional categories included 184 burglaries, 169 cases of arson and criminal damage, 168 vehicle offences, 161 robberies, and 132 public order offences, painting a comprehensive picture of Southwark’s crime landscape.

What Was the Overall Crime Trend in South East London?

Across south east London, the month of January brought a welcome, albeit modest, reduction in reported crime. Metropolitan Police statistics show a total of 10,617 offences, representing a 1.8 per cent decrease from December’s 10,961 incidents. This continues a slight downward trajectory observed in recent months, offering some reassurance to residents amid broader national discussions on policing effectiveness.​

The regional drop encompasses five key boroughs: Bromley, Bexley, Greenwich, Lewisham, and Southwark. While specific breakdowns for Bromley, Bexley, and Greenwich were not detailed in the primary data release, the aggregate decline suggests collective progress, potentially influenced by seasonal factors or targeted policing initiatives. Lewisham, however, bucked the trend slightly, as detailed below.​

How Did Theft and Violence Dominate Southwark’s Crime Statistics?

In Southwark, theft and violent crimes overwhelmingly shaped the month’s figures. The 1,230 theft incidents alone surpassed all other categories combined in prominence, signalling a high volume of opportunistic property crimes. Violence against the person, with 713 reports, added to the burden, often involving assaults that demand swift police response.​

Together, these two offence types constituted more than 50 per cent of Southwark’s total crimes, a statistic that as reported by East London Times analysts, raises questions about resource allocation in high-density areas. Burglaries at 184 cases further emphasise vulnerabilities in residential security, while vehicle offences (168) point to risks for commuters and drivers.​

Why Did Lewisham See a Rise in Crime?

Lewisham recorded the second-highest total, with 2,355 offences in January, marking a minor 0.6 per cent uptick from December. This contrasts with the regional decline, prompting local observers to scrutinise underlying factors such as population density or specific incident clusters.​

As per Metropolitan Police figures cited by the East London Times, Lewisham’s position just behind Southwark underscores its status as another focal point for law enforcement efforts. Detailed offence breakdowns for Lewisham were not specified in the data, but its incremental increase highlights the uneven nature of crime trends across boroughs.​

What Other Offences Were Notable in Southwark?

Beyond the top categories, Southwark’s January data revealed a spectrum of concerns. Arson and criminal damage offences totalled 169, often linked to anti-social behaviour in public spaces. Robberies stood at 161, a figure that as reported by East London Times, typically involves street-level muggings targeting valuables.​

Public order offences reached 132, encompassing disturbances that affect community cohesion. These lesser totals, while not dominating the statistics, contribute to the overall burden on police resources and resident wellbeing.​

How Does This Data Compare to December?

The January figures represent a continuation of a slight downward trend regionally, with south east London’s 10,617 offences down from December’s 10,961. Southwark’s 3,070 crimes, though highest, fit within this context of moderation. Lewisham’s 2,355, despite its small rise, remains below Southwark’s volume.​

Metropolitan Police data, as analysed by local journalists, provides a month-on-month snapshot that avoids longer-term projections but signals stability. Comparisons to prior periods emphasise the 1.8 per cent regional fall as a positive indicator.​

What Do These Figures Mean for Residents?

For south east Londoners, the data offers mixed signals: relief from the overall decline tempered by Southwark’s peak and Lewisham’s uptick. Theft’s prevalence suggests heightened vigilance for personal belongings is prudent. Violence figures reinforce the need for community safety measures.​

As East London Times has noted in coverage of similar releases, such statistics inform council priorities and police deployments. Residents in high-crime boroughs may anticipate increased patrols or prevention campaigns.​

Which Boroughs Were Included in the Analysis?

The south east London grouping comprises Bromley, Bexley, Greenwich, Lewisham, and Southwark, as defined in the Metropolitan Police figures. While Southwark and Lewisham led in totals, the others contributed to the aggregate 10,617 offences. Specific data for Bromley, Bexley, and Greenwich awaits further breakdown, but their inclusion ensures a holistic regional view.​

What Can Be Done to Address These Trends?

Policing strategies may evolve in response, with a focus on theft hotspots and violent crime prevention. Councils across the boroughs could enhance lighting, CCTV, or community programmes. As reported in East London Times analyses, collaboration between Metropolitan Police and local authorities remains key.​

The downward regional trend encourages sustained efforts, though borough-specific rises like Lewisham’s demand targeted action.

Broader Context of London Crime Patterns

This south east London snapshot aligns with wider Metropolitan Police reporting, where urban boroughs often face elevated offences due to density and transport links. National comparisons, while outside this data, frequently highlight London’s challenges. Future releases will clarify if January’s patterns persist into February 2026.