No go areas in London

Living in London

London is one of the most iconic cities in the world and has been a destination for visitors from around the globe for centuries. While London offers some of the most exciting attractions, some parts of the city have earned a reputation for ‘no-go areas.’

The ‘no go areas’ in London have been subject to much discussion and debate, and are often a source of contention. They refer to regions of a city where individuals feel unsafe due to high levels of crime and anti-social behaviour. With the ever-evolving social and political landscape in the city, it is important to understand what these areas may be and how they can affect people living in them or travelling to them.

But what actually constitutes a “no go area”? This article will provide an overview of the various no go areas in London, their common characteristics, and what can be done to make them safer.

Tower Hamlets

Located in East London, this area is well known for its vibrant culture and exciting nightlife. It is one of the most prominent and diverse boroughs in London. Nonetheless, this borough is known for its variety of crimes such as drug dealing and gang-related offences knife crime and violent assaults. The frequency with which these types of crimes occur has caused many people to feel unsafe.

The most dangerous part of this borough is the Whitechapel High Street area. With a history of gang violence and drug-related crime, it has become an infamous danger zone for many locals and tourists alike.

Newham

Newham is one of the busiest boroughs in London, with a growing population and plenty of opportunities for employment. But it also has its challenges – an increasing crime rate. In recent years, it has seen an increase in property theft, violent assaults, robberies and knife crimes across the area. With over 150 gangs operating in the area, it is easy to see why crime is so prevalent.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that gang activity has been on the rise in recent years and criminal networks are often involved in violent assaults across the borough. There have also been reports of drug dealing occurring openly on the street, which means many streets are becoming no go zones for residents who fear for their safety at night time.

Lambeth

Lambeth in London is known for its beautiful landmarks and tourist attractions, but it also has a dark side. This area of London is home to some of the highest crime rates in the country, with certain areas becoming no-go zones due to the high levels of criminal activity taking place.

The most rampant crime seen in Lambeth is drug offences and violent crimes such as robberies and assaults. Drug offences account for almost one-third of all reported crimes in this area, with an increasing trend in violence and illegal activities over recent years. The majority of these crimes are committed by young people aged between 16-24; however, there have been reports that gangs are also operating within this area.

Hackney

Hackney is one of the most densely populated areas (around 280941 residents in 2020) in London, with some parts having a population density more than 10 times the UK average. Being a metropolitan area, the high population and other factors have contributed to an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour in the area, making it one of the most dangerous no go areas in London.

The most prevalent crimes taking place are violent offences, robbery and theft from a person. Figures from 2021/2022 show that Hackney’s crime rate is 22% higher than in London and 38% higher than England’s. Precisely, in 2022, Hackney had 114 cases of violent offences per 1000 people; almost double that of other boroughs such as Camden or Richmond upon Thames. Robbery levels were also high, with 161 per 1000 people being reported; again, much higher than in other boroughs. Individual theft was also significantly higher than elsewhere at 170 incidents per 1000 people – more than three times as high as Kensington and Chelsea which has the second highest rate for this type of offence.

Islington

Islington’s overall crime rate was 112 crimes per 1,000 people. Although property crime – such as burglary and car theft – is common here, violent crime is what really stands out as the most rampant form of criminal activity in Islington.

In 2021 alone there were 581 reported cases of violence with injury in this part of London – an increase of 10% compared to 2017. Furthermore, knife crime increased by 14%. It is estimated that robbery and shoplifting also rose by 4% during the last year leaving locals feeling unsafe within their own neighbourhoods.

Enfield

Enfiled has been identified as particularly prone to criminal activity. Crime rates in the Enfield region have been rising consistently over the last decade, particularly for vehicle theft and burglaries. Drug-related offences such as possession or supply also contribute significantly to the overall picture. Gangs operating in certain areas are responsible for much of this criminal activity, with some streets becoming almost completely off-limits due to their presence. Enfield’s dangerous streets are mostly concentrated around certain parts of town, and they include Edmonton Green Shopping Centre, Seven Sisters Road and Church Street Markets.

Southwark

Southwark is one of the oldest parts of London and has a rich history. It was home to some of London’s most notorious slums during the 19th century and suffered from some of the worst poverty in Europe at that time. Today, Southwark is still a relatively poor area with high crime rates.

The Southwark borough has seen an increase in gang activity, drug dealing and prostitution in recent years which has led to a decrease in public safety. This is not to say that all areas within Southwark are dangerous; there are certain pockets where visitors can feel safe.

Candem

The area has a history of gang violence. The streets of Candem are filled with poverty and graffiti, giving it a gritty atmosphere. The area has become increasingly dangerous over the last few years with reports of muggings and assaults occurring on a regular basis. Drug dealing is also rampant in this part of the city, leading to an increase in drug-related crimes such as robberies and other violent acts.

Haringey

Residents and visitors of Haringey face social issues and crime on a daily basis, with police officers often struggling to keep up with the high levels of violence seen within this area. The borough is home to Tottenham, an area that has often been described as one of the worst no-go zones in all of London. The hotspots for criminal activity include Wood Green High Road and Seven Sisters Road; both have experienced numerous incidents involving weapons or gang violence over the years.

Westminster

Situated within the City of Westminster are several neighbourhoods that are widely considered among the most dangerous parts of the city. The area around St James’s Park is particularly ill-famed for its high crime rate; with drug dealing and gang-related violence occurring frequently in this part of town. The same goes for parts of Victoria Street and Buckingham Palace Road which have been known to experience regular muggings, assaults and robberies.

Read more about places with rising knife crimes in towns and cities outside London here.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, while some parts of London remain off limits to tourists and locals, the truth is that these ‘no go’ areas are often overstated and exaggerated. The fact is crime is comparatively high in these boroughs but they still remain habitable.

London is a vibrant and exciting city full of opportunities for exploration. In reality, the majority of it remains safe and accessible to everyone, no matter where they come from. The key is to be aware of your surroundings and to exercise basic common sense when travelling around the city. It is crucial to stay informed about current events in London, as well as do research into the area you will be visiting.

10 No go areas in London | Must Read Before Moving