Homicides in London at eight-year low as MPS steps up response to robbery
New figures show that the number of homicides in London last year fell to their lowest since 2014, with teenage homicides falling by half.
The 14 teenage homicides in 2022 was a 53 per cent reduction on the numbers recorded in the previous year (30) and the lowest number in eight years.
In total, there were 109 homicides in London in 2022, a 17 per cent reduction on the numbers recorded in the previous year (132) and the lowest number since 2014.
Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said despite the fall they “were not complacent” and every death is “a tragedy and one too many”.
He added: “Each and every homicide is devastating – these are victims, not just statistics. They all have families, friends and loved ones that were left behind when their lives were tragically cut short.
“Although the number of homicides fell last year, we are not complacent. We will continue to use every measure available to keep Londoners safe and bring offenders to justice.”
More than two-thirds (69) of the homicides in 2022 were knife-enabled, a 17 per cent drop on the previous year (83). This is equal to the figure for 2019, which was the lowest figure since 2016.
Nine homicides were gun-enabled, a 25 per cent reduction on 2021 (12) and the lowest figure since 2014.
There were 17 domestic homicides, a 32 per cent reduction on the numbers recorded in 2021 (25) and the lowest since 2019
The figures come as officers across the MPS begin conducting high-visibility patrols to help keep young people safe from robbery after dark.
In some hotspots, opportunistic criminals are targeting school-aged children as they return to their studies after the Christmas break.
Last night (January 5), Sir Mark was joined by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to meet town centre teams and schools officers in Ilford, East London.
Recent figures show that a third (36 per cent) of robbery victims in the area are 18 or under, with young people being targeted for new mobile phones and high-value clothing, particularly after school.
This is part of Sir Mark’s vision for “precise community crime fighting” and the force’s drive for ‘More Trust, Less Crime and High Standards for Londoners’.
“Across London, there are high-visibility foot and mobile patrols to deter potential criminals in robbery hotspots and intelligence-led operations to target repeat offenders,” said the MPS.
“There is also engagement work with officers providing crime prevention advice to members of the public and schools officers building trusted relationships to help keep young people safe.”
As a result of targeted activity, since the end of November there have been 71 arrests for robbery and 35 knives and other weapons seized.
Sir Mark said: “It is vital that members of the public feel safe on the streets of London. Every robbery has a significant impact on the victim.
“Our teams are doing fantastic work in Ilford, and across the capital to target opportunistic robbers who fuel violence.”
Mr Khan added: “Tackling violence and making London safer for everyone is my top priority and I’m more determined than ever in 2023 to build on the progress made in reducing knife and gun crime, burglary and teenage homicides, which have all fallen since 2016, bucking the national trend.
“But the level of violence remains too high and that’s why it is so important that the MPS Commissioner is taking action to ensure officers are in the right place at the right time to keep our communities safe and drive down robberies and other crimes, day and night.
“We know we cannot arrest our way out of violence and that’s why my Violence Reduction Unit is supporting young Londoners, intervening at critical stages in their lives and providing them with positive opportunities, support and mentors – particularly during this cost of living crisis, so they can succeed and thrive.”
The leader of Redbridge Council, and London Council’s lead on community safety, Cllr Jas Athwal, said: “We have a very strong partnership with our colleagues in Redbridge Police, and our crime reduction strategy is already having a positive impact.
“As part of this partnership, our enforcement officers assist Met officers as they carry out proactive and high-visibility patrols to help keep local people safe from robbery.
“This visit was a great opportunity to show the new Met Commissioner and the Mayor of London around Ilford and share the work we are doing to make the town centre safer for our neighbours.”