The number of homicides in England and Wales has fallen to its lowest level since records began in 2003, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In the 12 months to September 2025, police recorded 499 homicides, a 7% decrease from 539 in the previous year.
Killings involving a knife or sharp implement dropped by 23% to 174, while overall knife crime fell by 9% to 50,430 offences. The ONS noted that gun crime also reached its lowest level this century. Billy Gazard of the ONS said the crime survey paints a stable picture, but police-recorded violent crime and theft have decreased.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood credited the government's efforts, including nearly 3,000 additional prison places created since July 2024, with a target of 14,000. She stated, 'Homicides are at their lowest level for almost 50 years. Knife crime continues to fall.'
However, shoplifting increased by 5% to 519,381 offences, and robbery remained similar at 82,678. Mahmood acknowledged the need to address crimes like shop theft, announcing 13,000 more neighbourhood officers and £2bn in police funding.
In London, homicides dropped to 97 in 2025, the lowest since 2014, down 11% from 109 in 2024, according to Metropolitan Police figures.
