Is Mitcham Safe? Separating Fact from Fiction
Let’s be honest Mitcham might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip to London. As a Londoner, most of us only think of the area when we are moving to Mitcham because it is cheaper than more exciting and trendy areas such as Balham, Clapham, and more sought-after neighbourhoods that we can’t afford.
But if you are looking to move to Mitcham or visit the area, you might wonder, “Is Mitcham safe?” The answer is yes. Mitcham has a medium crime rate level, according to crystal roof. With 5491 crimes occurred within 1 mile of Mitcham Park over the last 12 months.
Mitcham is in the London borough of Merton in South London. Mitcham is mostly a family-friendly suburb with excellent public transport.
Mitcham town centre is a bit dull and slightly rundown in some areas. Mitcham is like marmite; you either love it or hate it.
Key takeaway – Although The Economist’s Safe Cities Index of 2021 has ranked London as the world’s fifteenth safest city, it is important to remain vigilant and exercise caution when visiting large cities such as London. Having travel insurance is a fantastic way to safeguard yourself and your family during abroad trips. If you’re trying to watch your spending, Safety Wing offers the perfect bang for your buck because of its comprehensive coverage at a budget-friendly price.
Is Mitcham Safe?
Mitcham, including Mitcham Common, is generally considered a safe area, with a lower crime rate than other areas in London, as reported by the Metropolitan Police’s Crime Mapper.
However, as with any place, there are always pockets of crime. The most common incidents of crime in Mitcham are anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual assault and vehicle crime.
There are preventative measures you can take to help reduce the likelihood of experiencing these types of crimes.
Although it may not seem necessary, travel insurance for London is worth considering, especially if you’re coming from another country. Safety Wings is a great choice that offers reasonably priced quotes and is easy to use.
Is Mitcham Safe for Solo Travelers?
The answer is yes! Mitcham is perfectly safe for solo travellers as long as you take the usual precautions that you would take in any new place.
When travelling alone, it’s always best to inform someone back home of your whereabouts, carry a copy of your passport, and keep your valuables close to you at all times.
If you’re out exploring Mitcham Common, which is a large park open 24 hours is a popular spot for walking, running, and picnicking, it’s also home to several historical landmarks.
The Common is generally safe during daylight hours, but as with any large public park, at night, it can become dodgy with some interesting characters, so you’ll want to avoid this area at night.
If you are walking around Mitcham at night, do not wear your headphones, as this dulls your sense, and you might not be able to hear someone walking close behind you.
Solo travellers should be aware of their surroundings and take extra precautions when travelling alone, such as carrying a copy of their passport and not keeping all their money in one place.
If you’re planning on walking around at night, it’s best to stick to well-lit areas and avoid any deserted areas.
What is the crime rate in Mitcham?
The crime rate in Chiswick, according to Crystal Roof:
❌ Although it has a relatively high crime rate of 187.78 per thousand people, it is still only rated as a 6 out of 10 – or at medium level.
❌ The most common types of crimes include anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual offences, and vehicle crimes.
❌ Rest easy knowing that between February 2020 and January 2021, there were only 5491 reported crimes within one mile of the park area.
Is Mitcham safe to live?
Though its town centre and the area around Amen Corner might not be the prettiest, the rest of Mitcham is quite nice.
Best Mitcham Safety Tips
✔️ Get to know your surroundings
To make sure you stay safe in any new place, including Mitcham, it’s always important to get to know your surroundings first. Familiarize yourself with or locate the local police station, carry pepper spray if possible and generally, just keep an eye out for any suspicious activity as you explore your new neighbourhood.
✔️ Don’t flash your valuables
It’s always important to be aware of our surroundings, especially when carrying valuables. Though it may feel tempting to display your new designer accessory or phone, refrain from doing so as this can draw attention from the wrong people. Instead, if possible, leave any expensive items secure in your home or at a hotel safe. If you need to carry something valuable with you, keep it close and be sure to keep it hidden from view.
✔️ Trust Your Gut
Remember, if something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore that feeling. Take action immediately and remove yourself—quickly and safely—from any potentially dangerous situations.
✔️ Keep to well-lit and busy areas
When exploring Mitcham, stick to the main streets and areas that are well-lit and populated. This will help you avoid becoming isolated in a dangerous area.
✔️ Look Out For ATM scams
When using an ATM in London, be mindful of your surroundings and be on the lookout for signs of tampering or skimming devices. Some skimming devices are small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, so it’s important to take a close look at the card reader before inserting your card.
If you notice anything unusual, do not use the machine and report it to the bank. Additionally, cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN to prevent someone from shoulder-surfing.
Finally, always take your receipt and check your account statements regularly for unauthorised charges. Following these simple precautions can help protect yourself from ATM scams.
If you’re using an ATM in a busy area, be looking for people loitering nearby or trying to distract you who may be trying to get a glimpse of your PIN number.
Choose an ATM inside a bank or other business, as these are less likely to be tampered with.
Is Mitcham A Good Area To Live In?
With low crime rates and three tube stations nearby: Tooting Broadway, Wimbledon, and Mitcham Eastfields, a mere 20-minute tram from Mitcham Junction Station will get you to London Victoria train station.
Thameslink can bring you all the way from Luton Airport to London St Pancras International — perfect for commuters. Not only that but Mitcham also boasts of a plethora of schools in the area along with beautiful parks in London.
Living in Mitcham can make for an excellent family lifestyle. With a variety of activities available to keep you and your children entertained, such as parks, pubs, and golf clubs, it’s easy to see why this is a popular area.
What’s more, St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School and St Mark’s Primary School are two ‘good’ rated schools in the area, while secondary school options include St Mark’s Church of England Academy and Harris Academy Morden – both rated ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’, respectively.
While access in Mitcham isn’t bad – the area falls into Zone 4 of the London Underground system – overall it remains a safe place to live with access to quality educational opportunities for your children.
Where To Stay In Mitcham
Mitcham is a town in the London borough of Merton, southwest London. Historically part of Surrey, Mitcham is on the edge of suburban Greater London and has good transport links into and out of the city. It is also close to Wimbledon, Sutton and Croydon. There are several hotels in Mitcham, ranging from budget to luxury options.
Travelodge London
If you’re looking for a cheap hotel in Mitcham, the Travelodge London Mitcham hotel is a great option. The hotel offers free parking and Wi-Fi and is just a short drive from Wimbledon and central London.
How To Get Around Mitcham
Mitcham is the perfect spot for anyone looking to be connected to London without actually living in the city.
With both Mitcham Eastfields Station and Mitcham Junction conveniently located, getting anywhere throughout London ensures that you’re never too far away.
Plus, with its variety of bus routes, it’s easy to explore all that Mitcham has to offer: shops, restaurants, pubs and parks. So if you’re looking for a town where there are plenty of activities close by while still having access to all the greatness of London, then look no further than Mitcham.
Is Mitcham Dangerous Conclusion
So, if you are wondering, “Is Mitcham a bad area?” the answer is no, it is a great place for young families and working professionals with excellent school and transport connections for the local community.