Is East Ham Safe? Understanding Crime and Safety in This Diverse London Borough

East Ham is a district in the London Borough of Newham located in East London. With a population of around 95,000, it is a diverse area with a large South Asian and immigrant community. While East Ham has historically struggled with crime and poverty, redevelopment and community programs are helping to make it a safer place to live and visit.

A Brief History of East Ham

East Ham has always been a working-class area centered around industry The Beckton Gas Works and West Ham power stations provided employment from the late 1800s to the 1970s The Gas Works was the largest gas plant in Europe when it opened.

After World War II, East Ham saw an influx of immigrants from South Asia and the Caribbean looking for work. The area became very diverse but also struggled with poverty and crime. Riots occurred in 1970 and 1981.

Redevelopment schemes in the 1990s and 2000s have improved housing and amenities. Recent years have seen lots of new homes and facilities built around Canning Town and the Royal Docks area.

Crime Statistics and Safety Concerns in East Ham

East Ham has historically had higher than average crime rates compared to other parts of London. According to the latest police statistics:

• There were 21,224 crimes in total in the borough of Newham in 2021.

• Violent crime has gone down 17% over the past two years in Newham, compared to 2% across London.

• Robbery is down 15%. Burglary has decreased by 24%.

• Knife crime, gun crime, and homicide rates have dropped significantly in Newham but remain higher than the London average.

The most common offenses are anti-social behavior, vehicle crime, violence, public disorder, and robbery. Crime is concentrated in certain low-income housing estates plagued by gangs and poverty.

Why East Ham Struggles with Crime

There are a few key reasons why East Ham has battled higher crime rates:

• Poverty: Parts of East Ham are very economically deprived. Poverty and lack of opportunities lead some to turn to crime.

• Gangs: Criminal gangs operate in certain estates, often fighting over drug territory through violence and intimidation.

• Youth: Bored, unemployed teens get caught up in gangs and anti-social behavior. Better youth programs are needed.

• Housing: Poorly planned council estates with dark alleys and lack of ownership encourage crime. New developments are better designed.

• Budget Cuts: Reduction in police, youth services, and community support has impacted safety.

Is East Ham Safe for Visitors?

East Ham is generally safe for visitors who take normal urban precautions. Main shopping areas and transportation hubs see a lot of foot traffic and are well monitored.

Avoid certain housing estates after dark like Beckton Globe Town and parts of Canning Town where gang activity occurs. Stay alert in areas like High Street North at night.

Women may want to take taxis rather than walking alone late at night in isolated spaces. But the main town center and High Street South are busy enough to feel secure.

Tips for Staying Safe in East Ham

Here are some tips for staying safe and avoiding trouble in East Ham:

• Stick to busy, well-lit streets at night. Avoid unpopulated areas and alleys.

• Keep valuables hidden. Be alert of pickpockets in crowded areas.

• Don’t engage with intoxicated individuals – walk away from any disturbances.

• Use licensed taxis or ride shares at night instead of walking alone.

• Avoid walking while distracted on your phone.

• Keep your bag and belongings close in crowded spaces.

• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police.

• Get to know your neighbors and local shop owners – they can keep an eye out.

Recent Improvements in East Ham

While East Ham still contends with safety issues, major improvements have been made recently:

• Redevelopment: New modern housing, parks, and amenities make estates safer.

• Community Policing: More neighborhood officers and community engagement curb crime.

• Youth Programs: Projects provide opportunities and deter teens from gangs.

• Extra Lighting: Better lit streets, alleys, and public areas prevent victimization.

• Surveillance: Increased CCTV monitoring in key locations deters offenders.

• Victim Support: Better support services improve trust between residents and police.

• Gang Injunctions: Court orders restrict gathering of gang members in troubled areas.

Is East Ham Becoming Safer?

East Ham seems to be moving in a safer direction thanks to redevelopment efforts and proactive policing. Crime statistics are down across the board, even for violent offenses. Extra CCTV cameras have helped catch offenders.

Residents say many parts of East Ham feel much more secure than 5 or 10 years ago. Hounslow, Canning Town and West Ham lanes in particular have improved greatly.

There is still work to be done. Gangs remain active in certain estates. But continued investment in housing, youth programs, and community support should further enhance safety and quality of life.

Asking Locals About Safety in East Ham

To get an on-the-ground perspective, I asked some East Ham locals on Reddit how safe they feel:

• “Lived here most of my life and never had any real trouble. High St and town center are fine during the day. Maybe avoid the lanes behind at night.”

• “It’s like any other poor urban area. Some dodgy estates but most streets are good and decent people.”

• “I’m female and avoid walking at night. Uber or taxi is best after 10pm.”

• “Much better than it used to be for sure. New restaurants and bars opening which helps.”

• “Still see occasional drug deals and fights but not nearly as much. CCTV makes a difference.”

• “Some parts you should keep your wits about you but I’ve never felt in danger.”

The Bottom Line on East Ham’s Safety

While East Ham has battled higher crime rates in the past compared to other London boroughs, major improvements have been made in recent years thanks to redevelopment projects and community-focused policing.

Most visitors who take basic urban safety precautions during the daytime will be perfectly fine. At night, stick to well-populated areas like the High Street and use taxis or ride shares to get home. Avoid isolated housing estates and alleys after dark.

Continued investment and neighborhood programs will hopefully further enhance safety and quality of life in East Ham’s most deprived pockets. But the general consensus seems to be that this diverse East London community is moving in a positive direction.

So don’t let outdated perceptions deter you – East Ham has plenty of great attractions worth visiting. Just use good judgement, especially at night, and you shouldn’t have any issues enjoying this up-and-coming corner of London.