Approaches to tackling violent crime in London

25 teenagers have been killed in London in the first nine months of 2021.

The Metropolitan Police fears this tragic figure, which is nearly twice last year’s 14 teenage homicides, could exceed the previous high of 2008, when 28 youths were killed in the capital[1].

Earlier this year the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee launched an investigation into violent crime in our city, following concerns incidents would increase as lockdown restrictions were lifted in the summer.

Representatives from the Metropolitan Police and voluntary organisations gave evidence to the Committee on their professional experience of violent crime in London, including on teenage homicides.

The Committee has today published a short report on its findings, which makes six recommendations. These include:

• The Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) should consider expanding the ENGAGE pilot programme urgently, given the high level of under-18 homicides and involvement in serious violence.
• The Met should embed community engagement in its approach to tackling violent crime, with clearer communication about operations on the ground to communities living in affected areas.
• The Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) should ensure that the learning from the MyEnds programme’s eight borough initiatives is captured and shared with other boroughs and/or considered for early rollout.

Chairman of the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee, Shaun Bailey AM, said:

“It is essential that authorities get a grip on reducing violent crime in London now that all lockdown restrictions have been eased and life returns to normality post-pandemic.

"The Committee is deeply concerned about the high level of under-18s involved in serious violence, and the disproportionate impact that youth homicide is having on young, Black Londoners.

“Our recommendations seek to address these concerns, including expanding the ENGAGE programme, which is a good example of partnership working that tackles youth offending.”