When people ask, “Is Ilford safe?”, it’s often because the town in East London has a mixed reputation. Known for its cultural diversity, busy shopping centre, and transport links, Ilford also appears in crime statistics that worry potential residents and visitors.
Like many parts of East London, Ilford is a place of contrasts. It offers affordability, connections via the Elizabeth Line, and a growing property market, but it also struggles with higher-than-average crime rates compared with suburban London boroughs.
This article takes a closer look at Ilford crime statistics, safety concerns, regeneration, and real-life perspectives to give you a clearer picture of what living in or visiting Ilford is really like.
Crime in Ilford: The Statistics
Ilford is part of the London Borough of Redbridge, and crime rates here vary depending on the ward. According to the Metropolitan Police:
- Ilford town centre records higher crime figures than outer wards such as Clayhall or Valentines.
- The most common offences include theft, anti-social behaviour, and violent crime.
- Ilford has a higher crime rate than the London average, particularly for robbery and burglary.
- Despite these figures, serious violent crime remains less frequent than in central London areas.
In 2023, Redbridge recorded around 107 crimes per 1,000 residents, higher than the England and Wales average but broadly in line with other East London boroughs.
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Most Common Types of Crime in Ilford
- Theft and Robbery – Mobile phone thefts and bag snatches are among the most reported crimes in Ilford town centre.
- Anti-Social Behaviour – This includes street drinking, groups loitering, and nuisance noise.
- Burglary and Vehicle Crime – Residential burglaries and car-related thefts remain concerns in Ilford, especially in areas with older housing stock.
- Violent Crime – Although incidents occur, the majority are linked to night-time economy areas rather than residential streets.
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Is Ilford Dangerous? Context Matters
While statistics may look worrying, it’s important to place them in context:
- Ilford’s busy high street and transport hub naturally attract more recorded crime than quieter suburbs.
- Many crimes are opportunistic thefts, not targeted violent attacks.
- As with much of London, crime is concentrated in specific streets, rather than spread evenly across the whole area.
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Safety for Residents and Visitors
For those considering living in Ilford, here’s what to expect:
- Daytime safety: Most residents say Ilford feels safe during the day, particularly around shopping areas and residential zones.
- Night-time caution: The town centre can feel unsafe at night, especially around pubs and clubs.
- Families and professionals: Many families choose Ilford for its schools, parks, and affordable housing, while commuters value its transport links.
- Students: Ilford attracts international students, though safety precautions such as travelling in groups at night are advisable.
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Regeneration in Ilford
Ilford is not static. Significant investment is being made to improve the area:
- Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) has transformed Ilford into a well-connected commuter town.
- The Ilford Housing Zone aims to deliver thousands of new homes.
- Plans for public realm improvements include better lighting, parks, and high street redevelopment.
These projects are designed to tackle deprivation and improve both safety and quality of life.
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Comparisons with Other Areas
- Compared with Central London boroughs like Westminster, Ilford experiences fewer serious violent crimes but more burglary.
- Compared with nearby Barking and Dagenham, Ilford’s crime rate is slightly lower, though robbery figures are higher.
- Compared with suburban areas such as Woodford or Chigwell, Ilford has noticeably higher crime statistics.
Living in Ilford: Resident Perspectives
While crime statistics paint part of the picture, residents often highlight positives:
- Community spirit: Ilford is home to a diverse population, with thriving South Asian, African, and Eastern European communities.
- Shops and amenities: From the Exchange Shopping Centre to small independent stores, Ilford is busy and convenient.
- Green spaces: Valentines Park, one of East London’s best green areas, is a major draw for families.
A long-term resident described Ilford as: “Not without its problems, but improving year by year. It’s affordable, well-connected, and a community I’m proud to call home.”
Conclusion
So, is Ilford safe? The answer is mixed. Ilford does have higher-than-average crime rates, particularly for theft, burglary, and anti-social behaviour. However, these issues are often concentrated in the town centre and do not reflect every part of the area.
With major regeneration projects underway and strong community resilience, Ilford is improving. For residents and visitors alike, Ilford is not without risks, but it is also a place of opportunity, diversity, and connectivity.
In short: Ilford is not crime-free, but nor is it unliveable — safety depends on awareness and where you choose to live within the area.
FAQs
- What type of crime is most common in Ilford?
Theft, robbery, and burglary are the most frequently reported crimes. - Is Ilford safe for families?
Yes, many families live in Ilford due to its schools, parks, and transport links, though some prefer quieter suburbs. - Is Ilford improving in terms of safety?
Yes. Regeneration projects and transport upgrades are helping to improve Ilford’s image and tackle crime hotspots.
