Violent crime leading to injury falling in every London borough

• New data shows that there were nearly 9,000 fewer violent crimes leading to injury across London overall over 12 months – this is down by 12 per cent compared to the same period the previous year
• Violent crime leading to injury has fallen in all 32 London boroughs over the last 12 months with Havering, Enfield, Southwark, Tower Hamlets and Camden recording some of the most significant reductions
• London’s approach of targeted and intelligence-led action by the Met, combined with prevention work led by London’s Violence Reduction unit is having impact in driving down violence in the capital
• The number of homicides is now at ten-year low and last year London recorded the lowest number of homicides of under-25 homicides for more than two decades
• London’s homicide rate is now lower than international cities Paris, Brussels, Berlin, and Madrid and all major US cities.

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.

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.

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.  

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.”

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.”

Lib Peck, Director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, said: “Tackling violence is complex and that’s why it’s never been about one single way or approach to reducing it. Progress is being made because of the approach taken in London, with prevention showing impact and seen equally as important as enforcement.

“It’s down to partnership across London and the role of youth workers, mentors, teachers, community organisations and all those working on the frontline with young people, that means we’re seeing violence heading in the right direction.

“We have seen homicides of young people at lowest levels for more than two decades, and violent offences with injury reduce in every London borough. But now is not the time to rest on our laurels. We need to continue building on what we know works and keeping prevention at the forefront of efforts to keep young people safe and supported to thrive.”   

Ben Lindsay OBE, CEO of Power The Fight, delivering the VRU’s MyEnds programme in Lewisham, said: “These reductions are encouraging and show what can be achieved when youth organisations are properly funded and supported, alongside early intervention, prevention, and genuine partnership across London.

“At Power The Fight, we see daily the impact of investing in culturally sensitive, trauma-informed support for young people, families, and schools. The job isn’t done, but this progress is a reminder that we must not stop fighting for more peaceful communities.

“Partnership and increased funding must remain central if we are serious about building safer neighbourhoods, reducing violence long-term, and giving our young people the chance to flourish.”