London has achieved a significant milestone in public safety, recording its lowest number of homicides in more than a decade during 2025.
A Decade-Low in Fatal Violence
Official figures released by the Metropolitan Police show the capital recorded 97 homicides in 2025. This represents an 11 per cent decrease from the previous year and marks the lowest annual total since 2014. The data, published on Monday 12 January 2026, aligns with a broader national trend for England and Wales, where homicide numbers have fallen to their lowest level since current reporting methods began in 2003.
Perhaps even more telling is the per capita rate. Despite continued population growth, London's homicide rate now stands at 1.1 per 100,000 residents, which is the lowest on record. This rate significantly undercuts those seen in other major global cities, positioning London as notably safer in this regard.
Attributing the Success: Policing and Prevention
Met Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, credited the reduction to "relentless work" by the force. He pointed to a multi-faceted strategy that has driven down serious violence. Key elements include increased arrests of dangerous individuals, the deployment of innovative technology like live facial recognition, and highly targeted operations against known criminal networks.
A particularly encouraging trend is the sharp decline in youth violence. The Met reported the fewest victims aged under 25 this century. There has been a staggering 73 per cent drop in teenage homicide victims since 2021. This success is bolstered by the work of the Mayor's Violence Reduction Unit, which takes a public health approach to tackling the root causes of violence.
A Shadow Amid the Progress
Despite these positive crime statistics, the Metropolitan Police force itself faces ongoing scrutiny. A recent vetting review uncovered that 131 Met officers and staff committed crimes or misconduct after being improperly vetted. This failure occurred during a national recruitment drive between 2019 and 2023, highlighting internal challenges that persist alongside operational successes.
The record-low homicide figures offer Londoners a tangible sign of progress in the fight against violent crime. However, the juxtaposition with internal disciplinary issues underscores the complex and ongoing journey towards both a safer city and a more trustworthy police service.
