The Mayor of London has hit back at politicians “spreading misinformation“ on safety in the capital, as new figures show that the number of violent and injury crimes has fallen in every borough in the past year, PA Media and DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
Data from the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime, comparing the 12 months ending in August with the previous 12 months, shows that there were 8,749 fewer injury crimes in the capital during that period - a drop of nearly 12%.
Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “We have seen a number of politicians here and around the world speak disparagingly about London and spread misinformation about crime and safety in the capital“.
“The evidence is clear - our approach to tackling crime and the root causes of crime is working. This approach is reducing violence across the capital“.
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump accused Khan of doing a “terrible job“, adding that “crime in London is increasing dramatically“. PA Media notes that the two politicians have been engaged in a war of words for years.
Khan added: “Violent injury crime has fallen in every London borough and this is testament to the incredible work of our brave police - who are arresting over 1,000 more suspects every month and solving crimes involving victims at double the rate of a year ago.“
“There is also the prevention work in our communities, led by the London Violence Reduction Unit, which has provided over 450,000 positive opportunities and activities to divert young people from the path of violence“.
According to the mayor's office, the total number of murders in London is at its lowest level in 10 years, with the rate in the capital lower than that of Paris, Brussels, Berlin, Madrid and all major cities in the US.
Homicides fell 17% in the 12-month period through June this year compared to the 12-month period through May 2016.