London Safety Crisis Exposed: Knife Crimes Surge to 10-Year High

By John Pranay (Editor)

London's safety concerns persist, with a rise in knife crimes and shoplifting offences. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), knife crimes in the capital increased from 9,752 in 2015/2016 to a 10-year high of 16,344 in 2024/2025. Shoplifting offences also surged by 54% last year, with nearly 90,000 recorded in 2024.

The debate over London's safety has been ongoing, with various stakeholders weighing in. In a recent statement, London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan emphasized that the evidence contradicts claims of a decline in safety. He cited the ONS data, which shows a rise in knife crimes and shoplifting offences. Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley also acknowledged the challenges, stating that the force is working to make London safer through targeted operations and increased patrols.

• 2015/2016: Knife crimes in London totaled 9,752.

• 2020: Shoplifting offences in London reached 35,104.

• 2023/2024: Knife crimes rose to 15,244.

• 2024/2025: Knife crimes peaked at 16,344, and shoplifting offences surged to nearly 90,000.

• 2025: London's population is estimated to be 9.8 million, a 12.6% increase from 2016.

The humanitarian impact of London's safety concerns is significant, with many residents experiencing crime firsthand. According to the ONS, there were 951,803 crimes recorded in London in 2024/25, roughly 106 crimes per 1,000 people. This has led to increased concerns about the city's safety and the effectiveness of the Metropolitan Police Service.

The rise in crime in London is part of a broader trend in England and Wales, where overall crime offences increased from approximately 4 million in 2015/16 to 6.74 million in 2022/23. The pace of change is notable, with a 12.6% increase in London's population contributing to the rise in crime. The Metropolitan Police Service is working to address the issue through targeted operations and increased patrols, but the challenge remains significant.

Several risks have been identified in relation to London's safety concerns. These include:

• Increased crime rates, particularly knife crimes and shoplifting offences

• Higher crime rates per 1,000 people, with 106 recorded in 2024/25

• Decreased trust in the Metropolitan Police Service, with some residents feeling that the force is not doing enough to address the issue

Q: What is the current crime rate in London?

A: According to the ONS, there were 951,803 crimes recorded in London in 2024/25, roughly 106 crimes per 1,000 people.

Q: Has the Metropolitan Police Service made progress in addressing crime in London?

A: Yes, according to the Met Police's figures, crime is down by 2.4% compared to the previous year, and neighbourhood crime is down 14%.

Q: What is the population of London?

A: The population of London is estimated to be 9.8 million, a 12.6% increase from 2016.

Overall, the medium-term sentiment around this story is Neutral.

1. How safe is London really? This is what the data says — https://www.aol.co.uk/articles/safe-london-really-data-says-140219293.html

Methodology: This analysis combines real-time data aggregation from manually selected global sources with advanced AI synthesis, engineered to provide neutral and data-driven insights.