Robbery in Redbridge increases almost 50 per cent in two years, Met figures reveal

Seyed Khan. Photo: Met Police (Image: Archant)

There was a 48 per cent increase in robberies in the 12 months to March compared to the year before. In total there were 948 incidents between April 2017 and March 2018.

There were 3,150 burglaries reported over the same period – a 36pc increase between April 2017 and March 2018 compared to the previous 12 months.

Violent crimes – including harassment, assault and grievous bodily harm (GBH) – increased by 10 per cent from 6,422 in 2016-17 to 7,080 in 2017-18.

In total there were five murder investigations between April 2017 and March.

Police seal off the Buckingham Road cemetery during the search for Seyed Khan. Picture: KEN MEARS (Image: Archant)

The Met’s asst commissioner Martin Hewitt said: “We continue to experience a very busy and challenging time against the backdrop of significant cuts.

“I am very concerned about the rises, particularly of murder, violent and knife crime.”

The Met said it was doubling anti-knife crime efforts with more officers patrolling communities.

“There are complex reasons why more young people carry knives. Knife crime cannot be solved only by the police. We need the help of communities who we know are behind us,” the assistant commisioner said.

Across the capital burglaries of homes and businesses rose by 12pc while robbery is up by 36pc.

The Met said it was tackling the crime by patrolling hotspots and carrying out operations against organised crime gangs. Moped crime was blamed for much of the rise in robbery.

“Despite the challenges ahead, we continue to focus on bringing offenders to justice, making the streets hostile territory for criminals, supporting victims and working with communities,” asst comm Hewitt said.

There were 541 sexual offences in the borough between April 2017 and March 2018, 242 of which were rapes.

Recorded rape across the capital rose by 18pc in the comparison between April 2016 to March 2017 and April 2017 to March 2018.

Overall crime numbers rose 16pc in the borough between April 2016 and March 2018. This compared to a near 6.5pc rise across the capital over the same period.