Brixton is referred to as one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in London, but is this based on today’s reality or something more concerning?
“If you can find somewhere else to live … I would.”
The owner of a Shoreditch chip shop was so excited to hear about my recent move to study in London, you’d think I was his niece. But when I said I moved to Brixton, his smile dropped with concern.
A website called The Top 10 let Londoners vote for the “Top 10 Most Dangerous Places in London.” Brixton ranked second, with one extreme comment saying: “There’s more hope making countries like Somalia […] or Afghanistan better places to live than a decaying, uncivilised spoilt dump like Brixton.” Another site also listed Brixton second in its 2021 “Guide to 5 Areas to Avoid in London.”
A 14-year-old Brixton girl, in a study by the London School of Economics and Political Science, said she won’t mention being from Brixton at a job interview because they’d see only guns and drugs.
Once, a white British man joked to me that he’d only get off at Brixton Station if he wanted to get stabbed.
After living two months in the neighbourhood, Brixton’s notorious reputation seems outdated and prejudiced. I’ve never felt more endangered here than in other London areas. Occasionally overstimulated, maybe, but in danger? No.
Is Brixton’s reputation based on current crime statistics? Or does its association with danger speak more to outsiders’ views of Black people and immigrants?
In 1948, Brixton became home to the Windrush Generation, Caribbean immigrants invited to rebuild the UK after World War II, establishing it as a hub for Black Londoners.
In 1981 and 1985, Brixtonites made headlines for uprisings against police brutality and systemic racism. Now, Brixton’s diverse immigrant population is evident with one walk down Electric Avenue.
Perhaps the uprisings or the Brixton Riots linger in people’s minds. However, Brixton has since undergone a decrease in crime – credited by some to gentrification, others see revitalisation.
According to the Metropolitan Police, Brixton’s crime rates per thousand people – from theft to assault – are lower than London’s highest areas of Westminster and Camden – both not even mentioned on The Top 10‘s list.
Another website, CrimeRate, records Lambeth, Brixton’s borough, as higher in drug-related crimes, but many areas, like Westminster, have higher Crimerisk scores, calculated accounting for severity of crime.
Crime statistics don’t absolve Brixton, but when higher crime rates belong to safer-reputed areas, its reputation seems to stem from somewhere beyond the numbers.
Locals say it’s misleading to say Brixton is more dangerous than other central boroughs. When I mentioned their ranking, they either raised their eyebrows in shock or shook their heads knowingly.
“It’s a false narrative that Brixton is a dangerous place.” William Henry is a former social worker now promoting his book Betwixt 2 Shores, which is about the Windrush generation.
“What is dangerous is the false propaganda that’s been spread my mainstream media […] designed to keep Black people and working-class people as oppressed.”
Scott, owner of the institutional flower stand outside Brixton Station, says it can be unpleasant but no more dangerous than other inner-city neighbourhoods.
“You can walk the streets anytime you want. Although you might get stopped for a fag or spare change, people leave you alone.” Scott speculates, “Someone’s got to get the rap, and Brixton is easiest to throw to the dogs.”
Pete, an Irishman running Brixton Streetwear, says Brixton feels much safer than when he was a teenager 30 years ago, when he’d frequently worry about getting robbed, largely thanks to gentrification.
In 2009, Lambeth City Council announced “Future Brixton Masterplan” aiming to “arrest town centre decline” by state housing redevelopment and “reinvigorating the town as a shopping destination”.
While people like Pete feel change was needed, many argue gentrification came with excessive costs. Yes, Brixton is safer but is it also richer, whiter, and more posh?
Brixton’s reputation seems inflexible since the 1990s. While it is not void of crime, its racialised population and history may blind outsiders to the calming crime rates or higher rates elsewhere. Numbers and local testimony show Brixton is more nuanced than its notorious ranking.
What fearful rankings miss is Brixton’s resilience and vibrant culture – authentic Jamaican, Ethiopian, Portuguese, or Chinese food; reggae and Dancehall rhythms filling Atlantic Road community where greetings to passing friends pause market transactions.
William concludes: “You find culture, art, music, entertainment. And yes, there is poverty. Nonetheless,” he smiles, “the people of Brixton remain together as a collective because they want to live together in harmony. You can’t find a better place than Brixton.”
All images by Maya Baylis.