London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his dismay at the negative portrayal of London, highlighting new statistics that show a significant decrease in homicides.
Recent data indicates a notable decrease in the total number of killings, reaching a 14-year low and marking the lowest level relative to the population since records began. Khan emphasized that despite some individuals attempting to paint London in a negative light, the data presents a contrasting narrative.
In the past year, London registered the lowest murder rate per capita on record, the fewest murders among those under 25 this century, and one of the lowest homicide figures in nearly three decades. Khan credited the Metropolitan Police’s utilization of technology such as facial recognition and targeted operations against gangs for an additional 1,000 monthly arrests.
The latest figures reveal 97 homicides in 2025, representing an 11% year-on-year decline and the lowest total since 2014, despite a population increase of over 500,000 in London during that period. The capital’s homicide rate stands at 1.1 per 100,000 people, notably lower than rates in cities like New York, Berlin, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Toronto.
Khan emphasized the success of the crime reduction efforts, underscoring the tangible outcomes in terms of saved lives and safer communities. The Metropolitan Police achieved a remarkable 95% solve rate in the past year, showcasing their effectiveness in combating crime.
London’s violence reduction unit (VRU) director, Lib Peck, highlighted the record-low homicide levels and continual decline in violence, emphasizing the need to counter negative online narratives to enhance public perceptions of safety.
The VRU’s proactive interventions, totaling over 550,000 last year, aimed at preventing youth involvement in gangs and violence, have contributed to the positive trend. Khan reaffirmed the city’s commitment to addressing both the symptoms and root causes of crime, leading to tangible improvements in public safety.