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Mayors

London Records Lowest Number of Homicides in Summer Months since 2018

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Provisional figures released by the mayor's office have shown that London recorded the fewest number of homicides across June, July, and August since 2018. The summer months, typically a challenging time due to increased risk of exploitation and violence, have seen a significant decline in under-25 homicides, with no recorded deaths in this age group during the school summer holiday period. The mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, has vowed to continue his efforts to tackle violence across the capital, building on last year's successes, including the lowest number of homicides of under-25s for 22 years and the lowest number of teenage homicides since 2012.

Key Takeaways:

  • Provisional figures show that London recorded the fewest number of homicides across June, July, and August since 2018.
  • There were no under-25 homicides recorded in London during the school summer holiday period.
  • The number of homicides across all ages has fallen by a quarter compared with the start of September last year, from 78 to 58.
  • The mayor's office has invested £1.16 billion in the Metropolitan Police for 2025/26, and continues to invest in youth provision and the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).
  • The VRU has invested in over 450,000 positive opportunities for young people and aims to deliver a further 250,000 this term.
  • Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has established the first Violence Reduction Unit in England and Wales, focusing on prevention and early intervention.
  • The VRU's Holiday Hope programme provides £6 million in holiday activities and opportunities for young people at greatest risk of exploitation and violence.
  • The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, has praised the efforts of Met officers and staff in reducing violent crime.
  • The number of violent incidents resulting in injury has decreased by one-fifth, with London having the lowest proportion compared to any other UK city.
  • Firearms discharges have decreased by more than half compared to seven years ago.

Statistics:

  • 10 under-25 homicides recorded in London so far this year, compared with 26 at the same point last year.
  • Number of teenage homicides has fallen from nine at this point last year to four.
  • £6 million allocated for the Holiday Hope programme to provide holiday activities and opportunities for young people.
  • 450,000 positive opportunities for young people invested by the VRU so far.
  • 1.16 billion pounds invested in the Metropolitan Police for 2025/26.

Sources:

  • The Mayor of London's Office
  • Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley
  • Ben Kinsella Trust, Patrick Green, Chief Executive
  • Wickers and Rise Up East, Sam Bosede, Director of Operations

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