Westminster records 5,498 theft offences in September, highest in London

Westminster logged 5,498 theft offences in September 2026, the largest total among all London boroughs, Metropolitan Police figures show, as reported by This Is Local London, Crime. The count surpasses the next highest borough, Lambeth, which recorded 3,489 offences in the same month.

Per‑capita rate tops the capital

The theft rate in Westminster reached 21.1 incidents per 1,000 inhabitants, the highest level across the city, according to the same Metropolitan Police data cited by This Is Local London, Crime. Kensington and Chelsea followed with a rate of 13.8, while Camden and Islington reported 12.3 and 11.8 respectively. Southwark and Tower Hamlets recorded rates of 11.6 and 10.9 per 1,000 people.

City‑wide theft figures show modest decline

Across London, the total number of theft offences fell by 1.8 per cent compared with the previous 12‑month period, Metropolitan Police data indicate, as reported by This Is Local London, Crime. The figures cover the 12 months ending September 2026 and reflect offences recorded by the force, not the reasons behind the variations between boroughs.

Police officials say the September spike in Westminster will be examined as part of a broader review of resource deployment. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, secure valuables, and report suspicious activity through the Met Police app. The next quarterly crime report, due early next year, will detail any adjustments to patrol schedules.