United Kingdom Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for United Kingdom
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated May 8, 2025
United Kingdom recorded 1.1 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2021, a rate that is low by global standards. That places United Kingdom #143 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Europe average of 1.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.0 per 100,000 in 2011, 1.1 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates United Kingdom at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
1.1 /100k
Safety Rank
#53 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2021
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2021)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.0 per 100,000 in 2011, 1.1 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How United Kingdom Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In United Kingdom, the homicide rate for men is 2.3× higher than the rate for women — 1.6 vs 0.7 per 100,000 (2021).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
United Kingdom has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
1(2019)
Military Spending
2.3% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for United Kingdom:
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism . Country Summary: There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the United Kingdom. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for United Kingdom
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated August 11, 2025).
Emergency phone numbers
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. For all emergencies in the United Kingdom Dial 999 . Learn more about how policing works in the UK . Gibraltar: Dial 112 England and Wales: Dial +44-20-7499-9000 for the U.S. Embassy London . Northern Ireland: Dial +44 (0) 28-9038-6100 for U.S. Consulate General Belfast. Scotland: Dial +44 (0) 131-556-8315 for U.S. Consulate Edinburgh.
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them want to attack American citizens outside of the United States. They are using simpler methods of attack like knives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets at: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) Terrorist groups are still planning possible attacks in Europe. The UK Security Service updates the public on any changes in the threat level and actions for the public. There is a risk of isolated violence in Northern Ireland due to political tensions.
Crime
Violent crimes or crimes against property are rare. U.S. citizens should take the same security precautions as in the United States or any big city. Be aware of your surroundings Be aware of pickpocketing, mugging, and “snatch and grab” theft of mobile phones, watches, and jewelry. Don’t leave bags unattended in restaurants, pubs, hotel lobbies, or parked cars. Only use licensed black taxis or pre-ordered car services (minicabs). Unlicensed taxis or private cars can be dangerous and may lead to robbery or sexual assault. Avoid ATMs that look temporary or are in isolated areas. Use ATMs inside a bank branch for safety.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur frequently in cities throughout the UK. They can: Result in violence or property damage. Be unpredictable. Occur outside the U.S. Embassy in London and at the U.S. Consulates in Belfast and Edinburgh. Occur near tourist areas in London like Hyde Park, Oxford Street, and Trafalgar Square. Demonstration organizers must get police approval in advance. UK police are good at managing these events. To stay safe: Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Use caution near any large gatherings, protests, or rallies. Check local media updates and traffic advisories. Check Transport for London and the Metropolitan Police , including their social media accounts for updates.
Scams
Impostors may pose as undercover police and demand cash fines. (The UK police will never ask you for immediate cash payments). The U.S. Embassy in London provides information on avoiding internet financial scams in the UK. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at 999 (or 112 in Gibraltar) and contact the U.S. Embassy London or our consulates. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. England and Wales: Dial +44-20-7499-9000 for the U.S. Embassy London. Northern Ireland: Dial +44 (0) 28-9038-6100 for U.S. Consulate General Belfast. Scotland: Dial +44 (0) 131-556-8315 for U.S. Consulate Edinburgh. Victim support resources in the UK are available from: Victim Support - maintained by an independent UK charity to help victims cope with the effects of crime. Victim Support NI - maintained by a Northern Ireland charity. Victim Support Scotland - maintained by a charity in Scotland. The U.S. Department of State provides information on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care. Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouragedto contact the UK’s Domestic Abuse Help .
Tourism
The tourism industry in the UK is well regulated. Rules, general practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs. Trained staff are usually there to help with organized activities. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . Weather and Natural Disasters
Seasons
The UK climate is temperate and moderated by southwest winds over the North Atlantic current. More than half the days are overcast Storm season is September to August
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
United Kingdom Population & Demographics
Population of 69,226,000, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is United Kingdom safe to visit?
The US State Department rates United Kingdom at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in United Kingdom?
United Kingdom has an intentional homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 people (2021, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #143 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for United Kingdom?
United Kingdom is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in United Kingdom compare to other countries?
United Kingdom's homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Europe average of 1.6.