London’s Most Dangerous Tube and Train Stations Exposed as King’s Cross Leads with Over 4,000 Crimes Recorded in 2024

London’s public transport system has become a focal point for rising crime, with some stations standing out for the number of incidents reported.

With more than 4,100 crimes recorded in 2024 alone, King’s Cross St Pancras, one of London’s busiest terminals, has now earned the unfortunate title of the city’s most dangerous station.

However, when you account for the number of passengers passing through each station, Poplar on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) near Canary Wharf emerges as the most crime-ridden station.

Crime Rates Based on Passenger Numbers

According to data compiled by the British Transport Police (BTP) and Transport for London (TfL), Poplar topped the list in terms of crime per million passengers, with 58.7 crimes recorded per million.

Following close behind were Cockfosters, the northern terminus of the Piccadilly Line, at 57.4 crimes per million, and King’s Cross St Pancras, which reported 51.4.

These figures reflect the ongoing security concerns across London’s extensive public transport network.

Surge in Crime Rates Since 2016

Since Sadiq Khan became mayor in 2016, crime on the Tube has skyrocketed, with crime rates more than doubling.

The rate of crimes per million journeys has surged from 9 to more than 21 as of March 2024.

Similarly, crimes on the Overground, DLR, and newly launched Elizabeth Line have seen substantial increases.

These troubling statistics come as commuters face a growing number of violent, racist, and sexist attacks.

Disturbing Examples of Violent Attacks

Several high-profile incidents from 2024 highlight the extent of the problem.

One of the most disturbing cases involved Liban Ahmed, who was caught on film attacking a woman at Green Park station by whipping her with a belt.

Meanwhile, Mansoor Ahmed was jailed for 26 months after sexually assaulting two women on the Tube.

hese incidents are part of a broader trend that has many commuters, including Jaya Pathak, calling for stronger measures to prevent harassment and violence, especially at quieter stations.

Shocking Attack at Oxford Circus Station

One of the most terrifying attacks occurred in February 2024 when Brwa Shorsh, a 24-year-old homeless man, pushed an innocent stranger, Tadeusz Potoczek, onto the tracks at Oxford Circus station.

Fortunately, Potoczek survived, narrowly avoiding the electrified rail.

Shorsh, who had a history of assault convictions, claimed his attack was motivated by “revenge” after believing he had been given a “dirty look.” Shorsh was later convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Rising Hate Crimes and Other Violent Incidents

Other disturbing crimes on London’s transport network have included violent hate crimes.

For example, a Jewish man wearing a kippah was subjected to anti-Semitic abuse on the Northern Line last March.

These hate-fueled assaults continue to be a worrying trend that authorities are struggling to curb.

Overall Crime Statistics for 2024

In total, 38,000 crimes were reported across London’s Underground, Overground, DLR, and Elizabeth Line stations in 2024, according to BTP data.

This equates to an average of 104 crimes per day, with terminus stations like King’s Cross St Pancras and Epping ranking as some of the highest in terms of crime per million passengers.

Surprisingly, some stations on the Elizabeth Line outside London’s main fare zones had even higher crime rates than stations within the city.

Safety Measures and Public Response

In response to the rise in crime, Siwan Hayward, TfL’s Director of Security, Policing, and Enforcement, stressed that the risk of encountering crime on London’s public transport network remains low.

However, TfL is working closely with the police to reduce violent crime, sexual offences, harassment, robbery, and hate crimes.

They are also actively encouraging passengers to report incidents, which could lead to quicker interventions and improved safety across the network.

A Safer Future for London’s Public Transport?

As London’s transport network struggles to address rising crime, there are calls for better staffing, particularly at quieter stations, to provide a visible deterrent against criminals.

While TfL continues to implement measures to ensure passenger safety, commuters are urging for more comprehensive solutions to protect the public from harm, especially on the more dangerous lines and stations.