Gun Crime And Rape Blights London

Figures just released show that crime in London is at its lowest level in ten years, with further reductions since last year.

However, residential burglary, gun crime and the number of rapes are rising which has taken the shine of the otherwise excellent statistics.

During the first six months of this financial year, 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 ten 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.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Lynne Owens said: "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," she said.

However, as the Commissioner has previously advised, there remain areas of concern which we continue to focus our 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.

"We are aware of this rise and have committed to operational activity which has begun. We are relaunching Bumble Bee which will focus on two strands, prevention and proactive movements against burglars," she continued.

Gun crime has also risen - by 252 offences (17.0%) - over the six-month period and although this rise is in the context of a 25% reduction during the last financial year, the current trend is a matter of great concern and the subject of extensive operational activity.

The Deputy Assistant Commissioner noted that rape is also up - by 233 offences (20.2%) - but, as Sapphire, in its new single command, becomes established, "we will be working to improve victim confidence in police and encourage more reporting", she insited.

"We have improved the way we use intelligence and the new dedicated command will increase accountability and consistency in the investigation of these crimes."

(BMcC/KMcA)