Robberies are up by nearly one third and sexual assault and violence have reached worrying new heights according to the latest annual crime figures for the borough.

Government statistics published on Friday show that although 14 in every 1,000 residents reported violent attacks last year, Barnet still ranks among London's safest boroughs and compares favourably with neighbouring borough's Camden, Haringey and Enfield.

Deputy chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority Peter Herbert, who represents Barnet, pointed out reasons for the increases in street crime.

"Barnet's robbery squad is making enormous efforts to reduce street crime but some of them feel they have lost a lot of officers to anti-terrorism issues during the last few months," said Mr Herbert.

"As well as this, it is not a simple problem with a simple solution. It is wrong to say this is just an issue of police numbers and resources.

"Efforts we make now will bear fruit over a period of time. Officers are doing what they can to reduce crime but it must be done in collaboration with the probation service, local authorities, schools and parents."

Barnet's Chief Superintendant Sue Akers said robbery and street crime had fallen dramatically since the figures were compiled in April.

"We've focussed a lot of resources on it and in the last three months we've achieved a 33 per cent decrease. We have been the most successful borough in London on this. We've achieved this via high visibility not just of officers but also local authority personnel and neighbourhood wardens. We are pleased but not complacent," she said, adding that her priorities remained street crime and also burglary.

Not all reported crime was on the rise. Burglaries and thefts from cars both fell while a decline in the number of car thefts meant drivers in Barnet are the fourth least affected by the crime in London.

The figures were released too late to assess the impact of neighbourhood wardens, introduced in October.

July 17, 2002 18:30