MPA Chair's statement on Met annual crime figures

40/02
17 April 2002

Following the release of the Metropolitan Police annual crime statistics today, 17 April, Toby Harris, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority, said:

“We are naturally very concerned that street robberies rose so dramatically during the year and recognise that this level of crime and violence is totally unacceptable to Londoners. 

"That is why we have monitored the rise closely throughout the period and have had regular discussions with the Met on what action was necessary to combat the problem.

“With the MPA’s active encouragement, the Commissioner launched Operation Safer Streets, which has hit back hard at street robbers, with a big increase in the number of arrests and a reduction in crimes committed. 

“Clearly, having a highly visible police presence on our streets does reduce crime, which is why we and the Commissioner have insisted that all of the 1,050 additional officers recruited over the past 12 months have gone onto London boroughs. 

“People want more officers on the streets but they also want them to be effective in tackling crimes while they are there. Latest figures show that Safer Streets, which uses intelligence-led policing, is delivering in both these respects. 

“However, we must make certain that these measures continue to be successful, maintained and improved on. The initiative has been extended for the rest of the year to keep up the pressure on street robbers which will hopefully reassure Londoners that we are taking their concerns seriously. 

“Maintaining the necessary levels of visible policing on our streets could result in other areas of work suffering as a consequence and we will continue to work together with the Met to ensure that other essential and support services are properly maintained. 

“There are complex reasons for the alarming increase in street crime which need to be addressed by other agencies, not just the police, if youngsters are to be diverted away from crime. The Home Secretary has announced major new initiatives this week to address these wider issues and these will support and enhance the work already being carried out by many agencies and partners, including the Met and the MPA, to reduce crime and make our streets safer.”

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