Residents of East Dulwich are shocked to learn their area is a burglary hotspot despite its reputation as a lovely place to live
East Dulwich: It’s a bit of a shocker for the locals here. They just found out their neighborhood is one of the UK’s burglary hotspots.
Not long ago, this area was celebrated as one of the best places to live. But a study by MoneySuperMarket Home Insurance revealed that the SE22 postcode has the eleventh highest burglary claim rate in the country.
Residents shared their surprise with the News Shopper, but it hasn’t changed how they feel about their neighborhood.
Mia, a 21-year-old who’s been living here for two years, said she’s more surprised about the burglary news than the area being named a top spot to live.
She mentioned, “It’s not perfect, but East Dulwich has so much to offer, like nice cafes and pubs.”
She added that it feels safe, but being in London means there’s bound to be some crime.
In September, Muddy Stilettos included East Dulwich in their 2025 list of the best places to live, calling it “cool” in a way that highlights farmers markets and art galleries.
Olivia, who’s lived here for over four years, echoed Mia’s sentiments. She said she doesn’t know anyone who’s been burgled.
“People often focus on crime in London, but it’s all relative. This is a lovely place with a strong community,” she said.
The research showed that the SE22 postcode has a burglary claim rate of 31.73 claims per 1,000 quotes. In comparison, the nearby SE24 postcode, covering Herne Hill and Tulse Hill, has an even higher rate at 37.96 claims per 1,000 quotes.