London’s homicide rate per capita is the lowest since records began having recorded its lowest homicide figures in eleven years

London’s approach to tackling serious violence has been strengthened by the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), which focuses on prevention and early intervention to address the root causes of crime.

New figures released on Monday 12 January show there were 97 homicides in 2025, an 11% reduction on 2024, marking the lowest total since 2014 despite London’s population growing by more than half a million.

These figures were highlighted during an event hosted last week at the Damilola Taylor Centre by Active Communities Network, Millwall Community Trust (MCT) and local partners. The event was attended by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and councillors from Southwark Council.

MCT’s Gamechangers project delivers diversionary and preventative activities for young people aged 8–25 across Southwark, using a data-driven approach to target hotspot areas including Old Kent Road, Walworth and Peckham. Through community-based programmes, MCT supports over 700 young people each year, while also working with those known to the criminal justice system to strengthen protective factors and support routes into education, employment and training. This includes Millwall coaches engaging young people at Walworth and Lewisham custody suites following arrest.

The project is delivered in partnership with the Southwark Gamechangers consortium, bringing together local charities, police and community safety teams to provide a coordinated and targeted response to youth violence.

The Met’s work has also delivered strong justice outcomes. In 2025, 95% of homicide investigations resulted in a positive outcome, with London’s homicide rate now at 1.1 per 100,000 people — the lowest of any UK city and below many comparable global cities.

Reductions have been particularly significant among young people. Teenage homicide fell to its joint lowest level in almost three decades, with just eight teenage victims in 2025. London also recorded the fewest homicides of under-25s this century. Since the VRU was established in 2019, youth homicides have fallen by two-thirds and hospital admissions for knife injuries among young people have dropped by 43%.

The VRU has delivered more than 550,000 targeted interventions, working in schools, funding after-school activities and placing youth workers in police custody and A&E departments. These interventions have helped prevent reoffending and reduced young people’s risk of harm.

Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “I am privileged to lead such extraordinary people. Three years ago, I pledged that we would make London safer through more trust and less crime. London’s record‑low homicide rate is the result of relentless work: arresting 1,000 more offenders each month, using innovative technology such as live facial recognition to solve more crime, and taking precise action against the most dangerous gangs, organised criminals, and predatory men who target women and children.

“The results speak for themselves: fewer lives lost, fewer families shattered. Every murder is a tragedy, but we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to drive down serious violence. This work will not stop, and neither will our determination to keep Londoners safe.”

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "Many people have been trying to talk London down, but the evidence tells a very different story. Last year London had the lowest murder rate per capita since records began, the fewest murders of those aged under 25 this century, and one of the lowest number of homicides for almost three decades.

“It's clear that our sustained focus on being both tough on crime and tough on the complex causes of crime is working. This includes investing in intervention and prevention work led by my Violence Reduction Unit - the first in England. At the same time, we’re supporting the Met by more than doubling City Hall’s investment in policing to help boost police numbers and relentlessly target the worst offenders and criminal gangs.

"But we are not complacent. One death will always be one too many. That's why I'll continue to do all I can to invest in the police and provide positive opportunities for young Londoners so that we can build on this significant progress and continue making London safer for everyone."

Director of London’s VRU Lib Peck said: Lib Peck, Director of London’s VRU, said: “A lot has been painted about safety in London, but the fact is homicide levels are at record lows and violence continues to fall.

“There is clearly more to do to close the gap and challenge online narratives so that people also feel safe, but the data last year shows we are making consistent progress. When we were set up more than six years ago, London’s homicide rate of young people was three times higher than it is today and last year registered the fewest number of homicides of young people this century.

“Prevention and the work of thousands of youth workers, mentors, teachers and all those who work closely with young people, have become a key part of London’s approach. We will continue to work in partnership across London to invest in young people and in youth clubs because we’re committed to keeping young people safe and supporting them to thrive.”

Joubin Sarrami, MCT Community Manager said: “It was a brilliant event at Damilola Taylor Centre last Friday with the Gamechangers consortium.

“This event showcased some of the work MCT does in the local community to help prevent youth violence by working with the relevant organisations to make our work even more impactful.

“Thank you to the consortium for organising, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley for attending and all of our participants who were involved in the day.

“MCT are committed to continuing to carry on this work in the local community and it’s great to see the new statistics coming out to show our work and others is working.”

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