Crime In London Remains At 10 Year Low

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Wandsworth saw a reduction in total crime including rape but an increase in homicide

The borough reflected the Capitals' figures (released on 15th October) that show crime at its lowest level in ten years, with further reductions since last year - Wandsworth had 467 less crimes 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 in the Capital 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. Regrettably in Wandsworth Homicide has increased.

	12 months to Sep 09 (year)		12 months to Sep 08 (year)
Number of Offences	Wandsworth	Met Total	Wandsworth	Met Total
Total Crimes	25,744	839,802	26,211	853,101
Homicide	8	128	3	156
Violence Against the Person (Total)	5,189	174,599	5,233	174,020
Rape	85	2,400	93	2,100
Other Sexual	229	6,670	263	6,854
Robbery (Total)	1,312	32,923	1,225	34,107
Robbery (Person)	1,156	29,570	1,071	30,843
Robbery (Business)	156	3,353	154	3,264
Burglary (Total)	3,159	96,460	2,979	92,428
Burglary Residential	2,034	61,783	1,906	58,866
Burglary Non-Residential	1,125	34,677	1,073	33,562
Gun Enabled Crime	131	3,277	0	0
Motor Vehicle Crime	3,746	103,521	4,079	114,351
Domestic Crime	1,765	53,726	1,599	51,913
Racist Crime	260	9,692	234	9,154
Homophobic Crime	27	1,192	21	1,008

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.”

"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 re launching Bumble Bee which will focus on two strands, prevention and proactive movements against burglars."

"Gun crime in the capital has risen by 252 offences (17.0%) over the six-month period (figures are not available for Wandsworth). 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."

Rape is down in Wandsworth although in London there was a 20.2% increase.

 

October 15, 2009