Concerns about crime in London have been voiced by various figures, including Donald Trump, who criticized the city’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, stating, “Crime in London is through the roof.” This sentiment has gained traction in certain political circles and is reflected in reports of a perceived exodus of wealthy individuals from the UK, partially due to crime and rising taxes.
A prime property agent recounted an incident where a client had a Rolex stolen shortly after moving into Kensington, a well-regarded area of London. Advisors for wealthy clients have noted an increasing demand for private security as reports of “spotters” outside upscale restaurants have surfaced.
High-profile crimes have reinforced these views, such as the theft of valuable items from celebrity figures shortly after arriving in London. Reports indicate that crime in the area covered by the Metropolitan Police has increased by 31% over the past decade, with violent crime up by 40%. However, overall crime statistics across England and Wales show a downward trend, with homicides and murders overall at a low in London compared to other major cities.
Despite a perceived increase in knife crime and phone theft, the Metropolitan Police reported a 6% decrease in violent crime in the year ending March 2024. Interestingly, while certain thefts, such as luxury watch and handbag thefts, have significantly decreased, the narrative of crime appears to persist among residents, with a September YouGov survey indicating that 51% believed violent crime was on the rise.
The contrasting views may stem from the “broken windows” theory in criminology, which suggests that minor visible crimes foster further criminal behavior. As a result, a growing demand for protection services reflects perceptions of safety among the affluent, who are reassessing their security needs in the city. The Metropolitan Police have indicated that reducing violent crime remains a priority and have taken steps to deter potential offenders in high-risk areas.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/oct/11/is-london-in-the-grip-of-a-wave-its-not-so-simple