Reducing Violent Crime in London
The number of violent crimes leading to injury reduced in all 32 boroughs in the last 12 months, with almost 9,000 fewer offences across the capital, new figures from the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime reveal.
The new figures which compare the 12 months ending August 25 to the previous 12 months, show violent crime leading to injury overall fell by almost 12 percent in London with crime reductions reported in every London borough during that period.
Crime Reduction Efforts
Targeted and intelligence led action by the Met police alongside intervention and prevention work led by London’s Violence Reduction Unit have led to 8,749 fewer offences in the capital.
All boroughs have seen a reduction. Havering recorded the largest reduction with 314 fewer offences compared to the previous 12 months, followed by Enfield which saw 417 fewer offences.
These reductions build on data which shows that London recorded the lowest number of homicides of under-25s for more than two decades last year. Overall homicides in the capital are at a ten-year low, with London’s rate lower than international cities Paris, Brussels, Berlin, and Madrid, and all major US cities.
Progress in Tackling Specific Crimes
Homicide, burglary and gun crime are also down significantly since Sadiq became Mayor and since the start of the year, there have been significant improvements made in the last few months tackling knife crime (down 14 per cent) robbery and theft (both down by 13 per cent).
These reductions in crime and violence are down to enhanced partnerships and ongoing action by the Met Police, London’s Violence Reduction Unit, London Councils, the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime and VCS organisations working together to tackle violence and the complex causes of violence in all its forms.
Statement from the Mayor of London
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “We’ve seen a number of politicians here and across the globe talking down London and spreading misinformation about crime and safety in the capital.
“The evidence is clear, our approach to tackling crime and its complex causes works. It’s driving down violence right across the capital.
“Violent crime with injury is down in every single London borough and that is testament to the incredible work of our brave police officers – who are arresting more than 1,000 additional suspects each month and solving crimes that involve victims at double the rate they were a year ago.
“This is alongside the prevention work in our communities led by London’s Violence Reduction Unit which has delivered over 450,000 positive opportunities and activities to divert young people away from violence and exploitation.
“One death and one crime will always be one too many and that’s why I’m working with partners and the Government, to build on this progress and enhance our collective efforts to drive down every single crime wherever it happens in our great capital city to deliver a safer London for everyone.”
Statement from the Metropolitan Police Service
Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams, from the Metropolitan Police Service, said, “Thanks to the relentless work of Met officers, staff, and our partners across London, we’re seeing real progress in the fight against violent crime. Violence with injury is down in every single borough – a clear sign that our approach is making a difference. Homicide is now at its lowest level in a decade, violent crime resulting in injury has fallen and firearms discharges are less than half what they were seven years ago.
“We’re targeting the most dangerous individuals, disrupting criminal networks, and investing in prevention to protect those most at risk. That’s why fewer people are being hurt, fewer lives are being lost, and London is becoming a safer city.
“But we know there’s still much more to do. Every act of violence is one too many. And whilst the statistics are clear and encouraging, we recognise that this is about people, because behind every number is a person, a victim, a family, and a community whose lives have been changed. We won’t stop until every Londoner feels safe, wherever they live, work, or go to school. We’re committed to listening, learning, and improving, so that our progress is not just sustained, but accelerated.”
Conclusion
The reduction in violent crime in London is a significant achievement, and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Met police, London’s Violence Reduction Unit, and other partners. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that every Londoner feels safe. The Mayor of London and the Metropolitan Police Service are committed to continuing their efforts to drive down crime and violence in the capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current trend in violent crime in London?
A: The current trend in violent crime in London is a reduction in the number of offences, with almost 9,000 fewer offences in the last 12 months.
Q: Which boroughs have seen the largest reduction in violent crime?
A: Havering and Enfield have seen the largest reduction in violent crime, with 314 and 417 fewer offences respectively.
Q: What is being done to tackle the complex causes of violence in London?
A: The Met police, London’s Violence Reduction Unit, and other partners are working together to tackle the complex causes of violence, including poverty, lack of opportunities, and social exclusion.
Q: How many positive opportunities and activities have been delivered by London’s Violence Reduction Unit?
A: London’s Violence Reduction Unit has delivered over 450,000 positive opportunities and activities to divert young people away from violence and exploitation.
Q: What is the goal of the Mayor of London and the Metropolitan Police Service in terms of reducing crime and violence in London?
A: The goal is to drive down every single crime wherever it happens in London, and to deliver a safer London for everyone.
