London murder rate falls to lowest per capita since records began, as Met Police chief insists city is safer'

"The Metropolitan Police said last year also had the lowest killings since 95 took place 11 years ago in 2014. Teenage murders also fell to the joint fewest in almost three decades, matching eight last seen in 2012 and a 73 per cent reduction on 2021 when a post-war record 30 died. Homicides of victims under-25s is the least this century."

"Despite London's growing population, the force says 2025 saw a homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 people - safer than comparable global cities such as New York at 2.8, Paris (1.6), Toronto (1.6), Berlin (3.2), Los Angeles (5.6), Chicago (11.7), and Philadelphia (12.3). Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the results speak for themselves, adding the capital is a top place to live, work and visit. He hailed the Met's proactive approach to tackling serious violence for having a direct impact on deaths."

"Sir Mark said: I am privileged to lead such extraordinary people. Three years ago, I pledged that we would make London safer through more trust and less crime. London's record low homicide rate is the result of relentless work: arresting 1,000 more offenders each month, using innovative technology such as live facial recognition to solve more crime, and taking precise action against the most dangerous gangs, organised criminals, and predatory men who target women an"

The Metropolitan Police recorded 97 homicides in London in 2025, a 36% fall from 153 in 2019 and 11% fewer than 109 in 2024. The count produced a homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 people, the lowest per capita on record. That rate is lower than comparable global cities such as New York (2.8), Paris (1.6), Toronto (1.6), Berlin (3.2), Los Angeles (5.6), Chicago (11.7) and Philadelphia (12.3). Teenage murders fell to eight, matching the joint fewest in almost three decades and reflecting a 73% reduction since 2021. Knife offences totalled 15,689 in the 12 months to June. Fourteen suspects charged were intimate partners of mostly female victims, and 13 were parents or siblings.

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