In today’s challenging economic climate, commercial property crime is on the rise across the UK, with the latest figures from ONS showing that business property robberies increased 52% during 2024 compared to the previous year.
Recent data from the London Metropolitan Police highlights significant increases in theft and damage to businesses in certain areas of the city, impacting the security and financial stability of local enterprises.
To show which boroughs are facing the most difficult challenges, here at Integrated Fencing we analysed crime statistics from 2021 to 2024, revealing which areas are most affected based on percentage increases and average incidents per 1,000 people, as well as providing security tips on how business owners can deter thieves.
The Boroughs with the Highest Crime Increases
Westminster tops the list as the borough with the most significant increase in commercial property crime, with a staggering 61.34% rise and an average of 80.075 incidents per 1,000 people. This suggests that businesses in Westminster are facing a severe security threat, requiring urgent and robust protection measures.
Despite being one of the smallest boroughs in terms of population, Westminster is the most affluent and expensive area in the capital. Boasting iconic streets like Oxford Road, Regent Street and Bond Street, higher wealth has led to highly profitable businesses operating in the area, making them an attractive proposition to potential thieves.
Camden follows closely with a 30.38% increase and an average of 33.775 incidents per 1,000 residents. Despite its vibrant commercial scene, Camden is grappling with rising crime, indicating a need for enhanced security strategies.
Islington also shows an increase, albeit smaller, with a 0.29% rise and an average of 21.6 incidents per 1,000 of its population. Even marginal increases highlight the persistent vulnerability of businesses.
| Rank | Borough | Percentage increase/ decrease (2021-2024) | Average per ‘000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Boroughs with Notable Average Incident Rates
Even boroughs showing decreases in percentage change still present concerning average incident rates. Southwark, for instance, despite an 11.75% decrease, maintains an average of 21.4 incidents per 1,000 properties, highlighting that while trends may shift, the underlying risk remains substantial.
Similarly, Lambeth, with a 17.57% decrease, shows an average of 18.875 incidents per 1,000 residents. These figures underscore the need for consistent and proactive security measures, regardless of overall trend direction.
Tips to Prevent Commercial Theft
There are several measures businesses can take to help prevent crimes occurring on their commercial premises:
Increased Perimeter Security
Ensuring you have the correct level of security fencing for your business is essential to deterring potential thieves. Not only do high-security perimeter fences provide a physical barrier, but they also act as a mental deterrent, putting off thieves before they even attempt to break in.
It’s also important to have bespoke barriers that suit the needs of your property. Every business’s landscape is different, with buildings having unique access points and potential weak spots that are more susceptible to break-ins.
Before you decide on the type of fencing which is right for you, consult the experts and get your premise assessed. You can then rest easy in the knowledge that your perimeter security solution has been constructed to the specific needs of your business and designed to address potential flaws or points that are more easily accessible to thieves.
Embrace Tech
Incorporating tech into your perimeter security can have a multitude of benefits, including; automated access which only allows authorised personnel to enter the premises, implementing AI analytics software that allows real-time analysis which could help stop incidents before they occur, and IoT (Internet of Things) environmental monitoring to provide valuable data on how various factors can affect security.
By taking advantage of security tech, businesses can enhance their current set-up, have the data readily available make improvements where applicable, and address any weak points that get uncovered.
Secure Valuable Assets
Every business is equipped with valuable technology and equipment of some form, making them prime targets for thieves. Ensure all computers, tablets, and other electronic devices are securely locked away in storage rooms or cabinets with strong locks.
It’s also advisable to keep an inventory of all valuable items and consider marking them with your business’s identification to deter theft and aid in recovery if stolen. Where possible, install tracking tags on the most valuable items so you can always find them should the worst happen.
Maintain The Grounds
As strange as it sounds, well-maintained grounds can potentially deter criminal activity. Overgrown bushes and trees can provide cover for thieves, so ensure that the landscaping is kept tidy and trimmed. Additionally, unkept grounds could lead criminals to think the premise is currently unoccupied and therefore an easy target for a break-in, increasing the chances of theft occurring.
Installing adequate lighting around the perimeter and entrances can also discourage intruders. Motion-activated lights are an excellent option, as they can startle potential thieves and draw attention to their presence.
In Summary
Richard Salmon, Construction Director and Co-Owner of Integrated Fencing commented: “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.
“These figures are a stark reminder of the challenges businesses face in London and that a robust perimeter security solution is just the first line of defence. By following the advice we’ve outlined here, and consulting security experts (whether that’s for physical or cyber security) is essential to reducing the risk of theft.”
Methodology
To determine which London boroughs are experiencing the most significant increases in commercial property crime, we analysed crime statistics from the London Metropolitan Police Data covering the period from 2021 to 2024. We calculated the percentage increase/decrease in incidents and the average number of incidents per 1,000 properties, providing a clear picture of the current security landscape.
Sources
Full Dataset
| Rank | Borough | Percentage increase/ decrease (2021-2024) | Average per ‘000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 11 | Brent | -23.23 | 13.875 |
| 12 | Hammersmith & Fulham | -24.36 | 20.025 |
| 13 | Waltham Forest | -26.25 | 12.975 |
| 14 | Harrow | -27.93 | 8.9 |
| 15 | Barnet | -29.13 | 10.725 |
| 16 | Wandsworth | -29.98 | 13.5 |
| 17 | Ealing | -32.91 | 12.9 |
| 18 | Greenwich | -33.57 | 14.125 |
| 19 | Hounslow | -33.79 | 13.85 |
| 20 | Redbridge | -33.95 | 11.975 |
| 21 | Merton | -35.79 | 10.15 |
| 22 | Havering | -36.50 | 8.1 |
| 23 | Haringey | -37.29 | 14.725 |
| 24 | Enfield | -37.44 | 12.65 |
| 25 | Kingston Upon Thames | -38.63 | 10.775 |
| 26 | Lewisham | -38.90 | 14.1 |
| 27 | Barking & Dagenham | -40.29 | 13.425 |
| 28 | Richmond upon Thames | -40.36 | 9.625 |
| 29 | Bromley | -43.12 | 10 |
| 30 | Croydon | -47.40 | 12.475 |
| 31 | Bexley | -47.48 | 9.175 |
| 32 | Sutton | -49.87 | 8.825 |