Croydon has received the damning title as London’s most violent borough, according to the latest data. Figures assessed by defence solicitors Lawtons showed that Croydon had more than 10,000 violent instances last year, a staggering five per cent year-on-year rise.
But rising crime isn’t unique to the South London peripheral borough, crime across the capital is reportedly up by 15 per cent. Theft and sexual offences also hit record levels last year, with nearly twice the crimes than in 2021.
The crime index found that despite Croydon being the most violent borough, it doesn’t have the most crime. That award goes to Westminster, with theft standing out as the worst offence there.
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Over 20 per cent of thefts which happened in London happened in the borough alone, five per cent higher than the rest of the country’s standard crime rate. Nick Titchener, criminal defence solicitor at London law firm Lawtons Solicitors, said: “We are seeing more reports of violence in the South of London in places like Croydon in particular.
“Although the figures naturally reflect national trends which are rising due to less crime recorded during the pandemic, it is still a concern that all types of offences are on the rise. Crime and public safety will be one of the major issues at the next general election and is a top priority for councils to keep communities safe.
“With the recent rise in violent crime in London – prevalent across the capital and extensively covered in the media – there is a new focus on deterrent sentences to prevent knife possession. The biggest piece of advice is to be aware of your surroundings.
“Keep your valuables close and if you’re heading out late at night, It’s a good idea to plan how you will get home by checking the time of your last train, bus or tube back to your accommodation.”
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