London’s homicide rate per capita is the lowest since records began having recorded its lowest homicide figures in eleven years
This is the result of efforts of Met officers and staff, who are arresting an additional 1,000 offenders each month, driving innovation through technologies such as facial recognition, and delivering a targeted crackdown on the most dangerous gangs, organised criminals, and predatory men who prey on women and children.
London’s approach has also been bolstered by the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), which is tackling the causes of crime through prevention and early intervention.
New figures released today (Monday, 12 January) confirm there were 97 homicides in 2025, an 11% reduction on 2024 (109) - this represents the lowest total since 2014, with London’s population having risen by more than half a million since then.
In the same period, violent incidents resulting in injury fell by a fifth, while firearms discharges are less than half what they were seven years ago. This milestone comes despite London’s population growing significantly over the past decade, making the capital safer than ever.
The Met’s work to tackle homicide has also delivered exceptional justice outcomes. In 2025, 95% of homicide investigations resulted in a positive outcome, and London’s homicide rate now stands at 1.1 per 100,000 people. This makes the homicide rate lower than any other UK city and below many comparable global cities, including New York (2.8), Berlin (3.2), Milan (1.6) and Toronto (1.6). It is also significantly lower than rates seen in major US cities such as Los Angeles (5.6), Houston (10.5), Chicago (11.7) and Philadelphia (12.3).
Progress has been particularly strong in reducing serious violence involving young people. Teenage homicide has fallen to its joint lowest level in almost three decades – matching the record set in 2012. In 2025, there were just eight teenage victims, a 73% reduction since 2021, with teenagers accounting for only 8.3% of all homicides in London.
Last year, London also recorded the fewest number of homicides of victims aged under-25s this century. A key part of this progress has been the Mayor’s VRU which has delivered more than 550,000 targeted interventions to prevent young people being drawn into gangs and violence. The VRU works in schools to tackle exclusions and absenteeism, funds after‑school diversionary activities, and places youth workers in police custody and A&E departments – preventing 80% of under‑18s from reoffending within 12 months and helping more than three‑quarters of young people reduce their risk of harm. Together with the Met’s policing activity, this twin enforcement‑and‑prevention approach is delivering real results.
The number of homicides of young people in London when the VRU was set up in 2019 was three times higher than it is today, and hospital admissions of young people for knife assault fell by 43 per cent in the same period.
The Met’s strategy has been uncompromising, a mix of relentless policing and innovation with the use of technology, such as Live Facial Recognition. Officers are arresting an extra 1,000 criminals every month and have made over 21,231 disruptions against serious and organised crime groups and individuals, while also taking thousands of guns and knives from London’s streets.
Every part of the Met has been involved in this success. Cutting-edge technology and intelligence-led policing have been at the heart of the Met’s commitment to driving down violent crime. Officers have prevented homicides and serious attacks by zeroing in on the most dangerous criminals – those linked to firearms or with violent convictions – using advanced tactics such as surveillance, device monitoring, and precision manhunts.
The flagship V100 programme has revolutionised the way the Met protects women and girls. This groundbreaking initiative uses data and intelligence to identify predatory men posing the greatest risk, then relentlessly pursues them for any crimes committed to ensure they face the longest possible prison sentences. It’s a proactive approach that stops harm before it happens.
The Met has also struck at the root of gang violence by dismantling thousands of drug and county lines operations – making more than 1600 arrests in the past year alone. These criminal networks don’t just deal drugs – they exploit the vulnerable, fuel violence, and create fear across London’s communities. Dismantling them has been pivotal in restoring safety and confidence on our streets.
Together with the Met’s policing activity, this twin enforcement‑and‑prevention approach is delivering real results.
Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “I am privileged to lead such extraordinary people. Three years ago, I pledged that we would make London safer through more trust and less crime. London’s record‑low homicide rate is the result of relentless work: arresting 1,000 more offenders each month, using innovative technology such as live facial recognition to solve more crime, and taking precise action against the most dangerous gangs, organised criminals, and predatory men who target women and children.
“The results speak for themselves: fewer lives lost, fewer families shattered. Every murder is a tragedy, but we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to drive down serious violence. This work will not stop, and neither will our determination to keep Londoners safe.”
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "Many people have been trying to talk London down, but the evidence tells a very different story. Last year London had the lowest murder rate per capita since records began, the fewest murders of those aged under 25 this century, and one of the lowest number of homicides for almost three decades.
“It's clear that our sustained focus on being both tough on crime and tough on the complex causes of crime is working. This includes investing in intervention and prevention work led by my Violence Reduction Unit - the first in England. At the same time, we’re supporting the Met by more than doubling City Hall’s investment in policing to help boost police numbers and relentlessly target the worst offenders and criminal gangs.
"But we are not complacent. One death will always be one too many. That's why I'll continue to do all I can to invest in the police and provide positive opportunities for young Londoners so that we can build on this significant progress and continue making London safer for everyone."
This crackdown has focused on prevention as much as enforcement – targeting the most dangerous offenders, disrupting gang networks, and safeguarding vulnerable people before violence escalates. The result: fewer shootings, fewer stabbings, and communities that feel safer than at any point in the last decade.
Behind the scenes, the Met’s homicide detectives rank among the best in the world, achieving a 95% solve rate last year. Their relentless pursuit of justice and support for grieving families has brought comfort to those devastated by violent crime.
Public confidence in policing is also rising. 81% of Londoners say the Met is doing a good or fair job locally, while 74% agree the Met is an organisation they can trust. Trust among Black Londoners has increased by 10%, and the confidence gap between women and men has now closed.
But the Commissioner has been clear: policing alone cannot end serious violence. That’s why the Met works hand-in-hand with partners and communities to divert young people away from crime.
Director of London’s VRU Lib Peck said: Lib Peck, Director of London’s VRU, said: “A lot has been painted about safety in London, but the fact is homicide levels are at record lows and violence continues to fall.
“There is clearly more to do to close the gap and challenge online narratives so that people also feel safe, but the data last year shows we are making consistent progress. When we were set up more than six years ago, London’s homicide rate of young people was three times higher than it is today and last year registered the fewest number of homicides of young people this century.
“Prevention and the work of thousands of youth workers, mentors, teachers and all those who work closely with young people, have become a key part of London’s approach. We will continue to work in partnership across London to invest in young people and in youth clubs because we’re committed to keeping young people safe and supporting them to thrive.”