October 15, 2009: London Crime Stays At 10 Year Low

New figures show crime in London at its lowest level in 10 years, with further reductions since last year. Statistics for the first six months of this financial year show that overall crime has fallen by a further 1.2% compared to the same period last year, equating in real terms to over 5,000 fewer victims of crime. This drop follows a reduction by 18,621 total offences (2.2%) over the course of the financial year 2008-09.

The most significant reductions have been in homicide, with around a third fewer deaths this year so far than at the same point last year, representing the lowest murder rate in at least 10 years.

Youth violence and knife crime both continue to fall. 487 fewer young people have been victims of violence since April (a reduction of 4.5% on the same period last year), while incidents involving blades are down by 303 offences (4.7%), a further drop that follows a significant reduction of 13.3% (1,882 offences) last year.

According to Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Lynne Owens:

“Overall, crime in London continues to fall, which is good news for Londoners. Reductions in knife crime, youth violence and homicide in particular represent continuing success in these areas on top of significant reductions last year."

“However, we are not complacent. There are areas that remain a challenge, and we continue to tackle those challenges head on.”

There remain areas of concern which the Met Police continue to focus their operational efforts on. The first six months of this financial year has seen a rise in residential burglary of 2,617 offences (9.8%) compared to the same period last year. Gun crime has risen by 252 offences (17.0%) over the six-month period. Rape is up by 233 offences (20.2%).