London crime falls sharply as mayor cites technology and anti‑disinformation campaign

Neighbourhood crime in London fell by about 14 %–15 % over the past year, equating to roughly 35,000 fewer offences, according to Metropolitan Police data released this June. The decline includes a 23 % drop in phone thefts, with thefts in the West End halved and an overall reduction of about 13,000 stolen mobiles city‑wide. Westminster recorded a drop of more than 40 %, while other boroughs saw smaller falls – Ealing only 1 % and Hounslow about 9.7 %.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley credited new technologies – live facial‑recognition cameras, drones and high‑powered e‑bikes – and doubled patrols in key areas. Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan highlighted a £7 million campaign to combat online disinformation that portrays London as “lawless”, saying, “We know there are bot farms making money from negative stories about London.” The mayor also pointed to the £1.26 billion funding boost for the police, which underpins the technology and increased officer presence.

The officials present the crime drop as evidence that London is becoming safer for residents and the millions of visitors it receives each year.