London has achieved its lowest homicide rate in over a decade, with officials and Mayor Sadiq Khan highlighting the figures as a rebuttal to claims of a “dystopian” city plagued by crime. The Metropolitan Police recorded 97 homicides in 2025, a significant decrease from previous years and the lowest since 2014. This marks a notable success in the city’s efforts to combat violent crime, even as other crime types like phone theft and shoplifting remain concerns.
A Decade of Declining Homicides
In 2025, London recorded 97 homicides, a decrease from 109 in 2024 and 153 in 2019. This figure represents the lowest number of homicides in the capital in more than ten years. When adjusted for population size, the rate of 1.1 homicides per 100,000 residents is the lowest since records began in 1997. This rate is lower than that of major cities like New York, Berlin, and Paris.
Strategies for Success
Officials credit a combination of enhanced police enforcement and preventative measures for the decline. Commander Paul Brogden of the Metropolitan Police highlighted smarter, more focused police work and improved diversion efforts by youth workers. The Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), established in 2019, plays a crucial role by engaging with young people, particularly those at risk of gang involvement. The VRU reports a 90% success rate in diverting individuals away from crime.
Mayor Sadiq Khan emphasized a “public health” approach to tackling violence, focusing on addressing root causes such as poverty and lack of opportunities. He stated that these efforts directly counter the narratives promoted by political figures who aim to portray London negatively.
Addressing Criticisms and Persistent Issues
The positive homicide statistics stand in contrast to ongoing concerns about other crime categories. Shoplifting has surged, and phone theft remains a significant issue, leading to London being dubbed the “phone theft capital of western Europe.” Mayor Khan acknowledged these challenges, attributing some to government cuts and advocating for technological solutions like “kill switches” for stolen phones.
Conservative leader in the London Assembly, Susan Hall, while acknowledging the improvement in homicide rates, raised concerns about violence against women and girls and urged a broader view of crime statistics. The Metropolitan Police also face scrutiny regarding vetting processes and public confidence following past scandals.
Despite the overall positive trend in homicides, a stark racial disparity persists, with young Black men remaining disproportionately likely to be victims. Police acknowledge this issue and emphasize the need for continued trust-building and targeted interventions within affected communities.
Rebutting Dystopian Narratives
Mayor Khan has directly challenged critics, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who have characterized London as a crime-ridden “warzone.” Khan asserts that the falling homicide rate proves London is a liberal, diverse, and successful city, the antithesis of the “dystopian” image some politicians seek to promote for their own political gain.