Is Islington a Safe Area of London?

By Alice Nichols

Islington is a bustling and diverse borough in North London that has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The area is known for its vibrant nightlife, trendy cafes, and unique shops.

However, with any populated area, safety concerns can arise. So, is Islington a safe area of London? Let’s explore.

Crime Rates

One way to determine the safety of an area is by looking at its crime rates. According to data from the Metropolitan Police, Islington has an average crime rate compared to other London boroughs.

In the year ending March 2020, there were 30,931 crimes reported in Islington. This breaks down to about 84 crimes per day or one crime every 17 minutes. While this may seem high, it’s important to note that many of these crimes are non-violent offenses such as theft and criminal damage.

Violent Crime

One concern for many people when it comes to safety is violent crime. In Islington, there were 4,384 violent crimes reported in the year ending March 2020.

This includes offenses such as assault with injury and robbery. While this number may seem alarming, it’s important to remember that these types of crimes can happen anywhere and are not exclusive to Islington.

Burglary

Another concern for people when it comes to safety is burglary rates. In Islington, there were 2,423 burglaries reported in the year ending March 2020. While this number may seem high, it’s actually lower than other London boroughs such as Camden and Westminster.

Improving Safety

Despite having average crime rates compared to other London boroughs, there are still ways that Islington is working to improve safety in the area. The Metropolitan Police have implemented initiatives such as Operation Condor which Targets violent crime and Operation Sceptre which focuses on reducing knife crime. Additionally, the Islington Council has invested in improving lighting in the area and increasing CCTV coverage.

Conclusion

While Islington may not be the safest area of London, it also isn’t the most dangerous. Like any populated area, there are safety concerns that should be taken seriously. However, with initiatives from both the police and local council, improvements are being made to make Islington a safer place to live and visit.