London has reached a significant milestone in public safety, with official figures revealing the city's homicide rate has fallen to its lowest level since records began.
Record Lows and Global Comparisons
Data published on 12 January 2026 shows there were 97 homicides in London during 2025. This represents an 11% year-on-year decrease and is the lowest total number since 2014, despite the capital's population growing by more than half a million people in that time.
When measured per capita, the rate stands at just 1.1 killings per 100,000 residents. This places London's safety record ahead of several other major international cities, including New York (2.8), Berlin (3.2), Toronto (1.6), and far below Philadelphia (12.3) and Chicago (11.7).
Mayor Khan's Strategy and Political Pushback
Mayor Sadiq Khan pointed to the data as evidence that his administration's dual approach is working. "It's clear that our sustained focus on being both tough on crime and tough on the complex causes of crime is working," he stated.
He highlighted the use of new technology like facial recognition and targeted operations against gangs, which he claims are helping the Metropolitan Police make an additional 1,000 arrests every month. The force also achieved a 95% solve rate for homicides last year.
Khan expressed frustration with critics, saying: "Many people have been trying to talk London down, but the evidence tells a very different story." This comment appeared directed at figures like Reform UK's mayoral candidate, Laila Cunningham, who claimed last week that "London is no longer safe."
Prevention and the Path Ahead
Alongside policing, prevention work has been extensive. London's Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), led by Lib Peck, carried out over 550,000 targeted interventions in 2025 to steer young people away from gang involvement and violence.
Peck acknowledged the challenge of public perception, noting: "There is clearly more to do to close the gap and challenge online narratives so that people also feel safe." However, she emphasised that the consistent progress shown in the data is undeniable.
Mayor Khan vowed to continue the push, stating: "Every murder is a tragedy, but we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to drive down serious violence. This work will not stop, and neither will our determination to keep Londoners safe."
