MPA response to publication of quarterly crime statistics

02/03
09 January 2003

Toby Harris, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority, said today:

“Gun related violent crime in London rose by just 6.6% in the period April – November 2002 compared to a 33.9% increase in the previous financial year. This indicates the ongoing success of the Met’s targeted initiatives such as Trident and various pan-London operations, and our combined determination to stem the escalation of gun crime on the capital’s streets.

“The Authority broadly supports the government’s proposals to strengthen the regimes for the sale, carrying of and possession of firearms, but we believe that still more needs to be done regarding the sale of replica guns. All too often replicas are used to terrorise victims and in certain cases are converted into actual deadly weapons. This specific problem should be addressed now.”

Toby Harris concluded:

“The MPA is naturally very concerned with the continuing decline in public satisfaction with their police. When crime is stable and fear of crime is actually falling, we must ask why this issue of confidence persists. To this end the Authority will continue its work to win the support and confidence of London’s communities, ensure that the standard of the service the police offer continues to improve and that people’s real concerns are reflected in policing priorities.”

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