Is London, Ontario Safe?
Yes — with important caveats. London’s overall Crime Severity Index (CSI) dropped to approximately 56.2 in 2024, its lowest level in years and now below the national average of 73.7. The London Police Service reported the largest reduction in crime severity of any city in Ontario and across Canada in 2024 — a result of a historic $672-million, four-year policing investment that put 69 new officers on London streets.
That said, property crime remains the everyday reality for London homeowners. Theft led all crime categories at 10,353 incidents in 2024. Break-and-enters 
accounted for 1,139 incidents and motor vehicle theft hit 817 cases. Certain neighbourhoods — particularly East London, Old East Village, Hamilton Road, and the Downtown Core — recorded crime rates well above the city average.
The bottom line: London is getting safer at a measurable pace. But property crime, fraud, and neighbourhood-level risk gaps mean that home security remains a practical priority for residents across the Forest City.
2024 Crime Statistics at a Glance
| Crime Category | 2024 Incidents | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Theft (all types) | 10,353 | Largest single crime category |
| Assault | 2,442 | The majority of violent crime |
| Fraud | 2,282 | Up slightly; second-largest property category |
| Property damage/mischief | 2,064 | Widespread across all neighbourhoods |
| Break and enter | 1,139 | Residential and commercial combined |
| Motor vehicle theft | 817 | Persistent concern citywide |
| Threats | 569 | — |
| Sexual assault | 513 | — |
| Robbery | 311 | Theft with force or threat |
| Homicide | 7 | + 5 attempted homicides |
| Shootings | 14 | ↓ 48% from 27 in 2023 |
| 9-1-1 calls received | 228,150 | ~650 per day |
Source: London Police Service 2024 Annual Report
London vs. National Average (Crime Severity Index):
| CSI 2024 | |
|---|---|
| London, ON | ~56.2 |
| National average | 73.7 |
| Ontario average | ~60–65 |
London’s 2024 CSI represents a dramatic improvement from 2023 (64.3) and 2022, when the city was ranked third-highest in crime severity among Ontario’s twelve largest cities. The investment in police staffing is producing measurable results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in London, Ontario
What is London Ontario’s crime rate in 2025?
London’s Crime Severity Index fell to approximately 56.2 in 2024 — well below the national average of 73.7. The London Police Service recorded the largest CSI reduction of any city in Canada that year. Total criminal incidents continued a decline that has been underway since 2022. For property crime specifically, theft remains the highest-volume offence at over 10,000 incidents annually, followed by fraud (2,282) and break-and-enters (1,139).
Is London Ontario more dangerous than other Ontario cities?
As recently as 2023, London ranked third-highest in crime severity among Ontario’s major cities. By 2024, significant investment in policing has shifted that standing considerably. London’s 2024 CSI (~56.2) now sits below Hamilton (57.7), Kitchener-Waterloo (75.9), Brantford (77.1), and the national average (73.7). Toronto (51.5) and Ottawa (55.6) remain somewhat safer by this measure, but London’s rate of improvement was the fastest in the country in 2024.
Which are the most dangerous neighbourhoods in London, Ontario?
Based on London Police Service data and neighbourhood crime analysis, the areas with consistently elevated crime rates are: East London (street crime, assault, theft, gang activity), Old East Village (property crime, domestic incidents), Downtown Core (theft, drug-related activity, public mischief), Hamilton Road (break-ins, vehicle theft, assault — 4th most dangerous area in 2024), White Oaks (burglary, theft, youth-related incidents), Carling Heights (vandalism, burglary, property crime), and Argyle (elevated socioeconomic-linked crime). Conversely, Byron, Masonville, Lambeth, and Oakridge are consistently among the city’s safest areas.
What crimes are most common in London, Ontario?
Theft is by far the highest-volume crime in London at 10,353 incidents in 2024. Fraud (2,282 cases) is the second most common property crime and has remained elevated as phone, online, and in-person scams proliferate. Break-and-enters (1,139) and motor vehicle theft (817) round out the top property crime concerns for homeowners. Among violent crimes, assault leads with 2,442 cases.
Is property crime increasing or decreasing in London?
Property crime is decreasing overall, consistent with a trend that began in 2022. Break-and-enters and motor vehicle theft both declined in 2024 as part of London’s city-wide CSI improvement. Fraud, however, remains stubbornly elevated and was one of the few categories not to decline significantly. The London Police Service attributes property crime reductions in part to faster response times achieved after hiring 69 new officers in 2024 — the first improvement in response times in four years.
Crime by Neighbourhood: London’s Safety Map
High-Crime Areas
East London:
East London consistently records crime rates above the city average. Street crime, theft, drug-related offences, and assault are the primary concerns. Over recent years the area has seen increasing gang activity, contributing to a broader sense of insecurity. Residents should invest in strong exterior security — visible cameras, monitored alarms, and well-lit entry points.
Old East Village:
Known for its murals and arts scene, Old East Village carries a history of social challenges that drive elevated property crime and domestic incidents. Community organizations have made meaningful inroads, and crime is trending downward, but the neighbourhood’s crime rate still exceeds the city average. Assault and property crime are the most common reported offences.
Downtown Core:
The highest concentration of crime in London is found in the downtown area — consistent with most Ontario cities of similar size. Transient populations, nightlife, and economic disparity contribute to elevated theft, drug activity, and public mischief. The downtown is generally manageable during daytime hours but warrants additional caution at night, particularly in isolated parking areas.
Hamilton Road:
Hamilton Road was London’s fourth most dangerous neighbourhood in 2024. Break-ins, vehicle theft, and assaults are commonly reported. The corridor’s mix of residential and commercial properties, combined with economic pressures, creates ongoing vulnerability to property crime.
White Oaks:
White Oaks sees burglary, theft, and youth-related incidents at rates above the city average. Community revitalization efforts are underway, but residents here benefit significantly from monitored home security systems and exterior cameras.
Carling Heights:
Carling Heights reports regular incidents of vandalism, burglary, and property crime. Economic challenges in the area correlate with higher opportunistic crime rates. Residents report that visible security measures make a tangible difference to their personal sense of safety.
Argyle:
Argyle has drawn attention for socioeconomic pressures driving elevated crime, with particular concerns around theft and property damage. Community leaders are active in advocating for resources.
Westminster:
Westminster faces challenges with drug-related activity, including trafficking and associated theft and assault. Opioid-linked crime has been a specific concern for residents in recent years.
Northland:
Northland sees crime tied to youth gang activity and petty theft, including shoplifting and robbery. Crime levels fluctuate, but the area consistently records incidents above the city average.
Safer Neighbourhoods in London
Byron:
Consistently one of London’s safest areas, this southwest neighbourhood has low crime rates and a strong community presence.
Masonville:
Located near Western University, Masonville benefits from a mix of families, students, and well-maintained commercial areas. Crime rates are well below the city average.
Lambeth:
A suburban enclave with a quiet, small-town character. Lambeth’s large lots and low population density contribute to very low crime rates.
Oakridge:
A well-established residential neighbourhood with strong community ties and low property crime rates.
Old North:
Predominantly residential, Old North sees limited property crime relative to the city average, though no neighbourhood is entirely immune to break-ins or vehicle theft.
Crime Trends: London 2020–2025
| Year | London CSI | National CSI | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | ~72 | 73.0 | COVID-era dip across Canada |
| 2021 | ~74 | 73.4 | Post-lockdown rebound |
| 2022 | ~78 | 79.3 | London ranked 3rd-worst in Ontario |
| 2023 | 64.3 | 80.5 | Major drop, police investment begins |
| 2024 | ~56.2 | 73.7 | Largest CSI drop in Canada |
The trajectory is genuinely encouraging. London went from being widely described as a “dangerous city” by its own police chief in 2023 — used to justify an emergency budget request — to recording the single largest crime severity reduction in Canada just one year later. The $672-million four-year policing investment is the primary driver, though socioeconomic factors and community programs also play a role.
What’s Driving Crime in London: The Root Causes
Historic Police Understaffing
For years, London operated as one of the most understaffed police services per capita in Ontario. This meant longer response times, lower clearance rates, and reduced deterrence. The 2024 budget correction — adding 69 officers and improving response times across all call categories for the first time in four years — has produced measurable results. But London is still catching up to appropriate staffing levels.
Opioid and Drug-Related Property Crime
As in most Ontario cities, a meaningful share of property crime in London — particularly break-ins, vehicle theft, and shoplifting — is driven by addiction-related desperation. Drug trafficking activity in Westminster, Hamilton Road, and parts of East London contributes to neighbourhood crime concentrations.
Economic Disparity and Urban Concentration
London’s crime pattern reflects a national norm: economic disadvantage concentrates crime risk. Neighbourhoods with lower household incomes, higher rental density, and less community infrastructure consistently record higher crime. This isn’t unique to London — it’s a pattern replicated in every mid-size Canadian city.
Fraud and Cybercrime Growth
Fraud at 2,282 incidents is the one property crime category resisting the downward trend. Phone scams impersonating the CRA, utility companies, and financial institutions continue to target London residents. Card skimming at retail locations remains an active concern. London Police Service has issued repeated public advisories about specific scam operations in the city.
What to Do If You’re the Victim of a Crime in London
Emergency: Call 911
Non-emergency reports (discovered break-in, vehicle theft, fraud, mischief):
- London Police Service non-emergency: 519-661-5670
- Online reporting: londonpolice.ca
Anonymous tips:
- London Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or p3tips.com
For fraud and online crime:
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501 or antifraudcentre.ca
After a break-in:
- Do not enter until police have cleared the scene
- Photograph and document all damage and missing property before touching anything
- Notify your home insurer immediately
- Save and back up any security camera footage before it overwrites
How to Protect Your London Home: A Practical Checklist
The most important principle in home security is layering — multiple visible measures working together make your home a dramatically less attractive target than a neighbour with nothing in place.
Exterior
- Security cameras covering the front door, garage, and rear of property
- Motion-activated lighting at all entry points
- Keep hedges and shrubs trimmed — don’t create hiding spots
- Ensure your address number is clearly visible (faster emergency response)
Entry points
- Deadbolt locks on all exterior doors — standard knob locks are trivially defeated
- Reinforce door frames with strike plate hardware
- Sliding door security bars or pins
- Window film on ground-floor windows (deters smash-and-grab)
Vehicle
- Park in a locked garage when possible
- Never leave valuables visible in your vehicle
- Consider a steering wheel lock or vehicle alarm for cars parked outside overnight
- Protect key fobs — radio-blocking pouches prevent relay theft of keyless entry vehicles
Monitoring and alarms
- A professionally monitored London alarm system triggers emergency response automatically — even if you’re asleep, travelling, or out of cell range
- Smart doorbell cameras let you see and record activity at your front door from anywhere
- Regular security checks via mobile app ensure you always know your home is secured
Community
- London Police Service provides a live crime map (90-day rolling window) at londonpolice.ca/services/crime-map — check it to understand activity near your address
- Neighbourhood watch programs are active in many London communities; GSPS supports new group formation
- Report suspicious activity — many London break-ins are preceded by reconnaissance activity that neighbours notice but don’t report
How SafeTech Can Help Protect Your London Home
SafeTech Alarm Systems has been protecting Ontario homes and businesses for over 30 years. We serve residential and commercial clients across London and the surrounding region with professional alarm installation, 24/7 monitored security, and smart home integration.
Whether you’re in Byron, White Oaks, Masonville, or Old East Village, SafeTech can assess your property and build the right layered security solution around your specific risk profile and budget.
What London residents get with SafeTech:
- Free alarm system with professional installation on a 36-month monitoring contract
- 24/7 ULC-listed monitoring station — emergency response triggered automatically within seconds
- Security cameras with night vision, weatherproofing, and remote mobile viewing
- Smart home integration — control lights, locks, thermostat, and your alarm system from anywhere
- 30+ years of Ontario expertise — not a national call centre, but a team that knows this province
Get a Free Home Security Assessment Request Your Free Quote → Toll-free: 1-888-939-3733 Mon–Fri 8:30am–8pm | Sat 11am–4pm
About This Report
This report draws on publicly available data from the London Police Service 2024 Annual Report, Statistics Canada’s Crime Severity Index (July 2025 release), and neighbourhood safety analysis from verified regional sources. It is reviewed and updated annually. For current crime activity in your specific area, use the London Police Service live crime map at londonpolice.ca/services/crime-map.
Produced by SafeTech Alarm Systems, Ontario’s leading home and business security provider. All statistics are drawn directly from government and police sources.
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