STREET crime surged in Bromley last month as officers continued to be deployed to central London following the US terrorist attacks.

Robberies have soared across the borough since the September 11 attacks in New York and Washington.

Scotland Yard recorded a 131 per cent increase in street crime in the borough during October compared to the same period last year.

The jump, from 36 to 83 offences, is thought to be one of the highest on record.

Burglaries were up from 265 to 372, an increase of 40 per cent.

And auto crime was up from 586 to 793, an increase of 35 per cent.

Acting borough commander Superintendent David White said: "We've had an increase in street crime in Penge.

"We have also had an increase in shed and garage thefts.

"My gut feeling is we have had an impact from losing officers to central London since September 11.

"I think this will have an impact for some time."

Supt White admitted to the News Shopper last week that although an average of one sergeant and seven constables are sent every day to central London, this figure "fluctuates and can be quite considerable on the day".

Council leader Councillor Michael Tickner said: "I blame the Met for failing to provide high visibility uniformed patrols.

"The patrols in central London reduce our police numbers locally and the Home Office is not offering to pay extra money for it."

Orpington MP John Horam joined other London MPs in the House of Commons seeking clarity from the Home Office about the current level of policing.

He said: "If I don't get satisfactory answers, I will call for a parliamentary debate."

November 20, 2001 14:31