Violent crime is on the up

Statistics issued by the Met Police show murder has more than doubled in Bromley, from two incidents in the 12 months ending in May last year to five cases in the year ending in May this year.

Rape rose by 32.65 per cent from 49 to 65 and gun crime went up by 42 per cent, from 66 incidents to 94.

Robbery almost doubled, from 686 incidents to 1,027.

The robbery figures include a 51.52 per cent increase in muggings, from 623 to 944.

Part of this is due to thefts of mobile phones and MP3 players.

Thefts of sat-nav units are being blamed for a 16.69-per-cent increase in motor crime, from 4,242 to 4,950.

Bromley police's superintendent in charge of safer neighbourhoods, Jim Sirrett, is concerned about the increases in crime and is vowing to stop the trend.

He said: "It is not easy to predict why crime has risen but we are not stopping our efforts to reduce crime across the borough."

Supt Sirrett believes the safer neighbourhood teams policing every Bromley ward will play a significant part in reducing crime for the year ending in May next year.

They were introduced in April and focus on nuisance crimes such as graffiti and disorder as well as reducing residents' fear of crime.

Supt Sirrett thinks there is a link between these and the more violent crimes.

He said: "The people who do youth disorder are the same people who commit crimes such as robbery."

The superintendent welcomed the fact more people now seemed willing to report rape cases.

He added: "We know from the British crime survey rape is significantly under-reported and now it may be people feel more comfortable in reporting the crimes."

Victim Support Bromley manager Cora Green said: "We are keen to promote the reporting of crime.

"If they are being reported and the victims need help this is what we are here for, as well as helping families bereaved by homicide."

Burglaries, domestic, racist and homophobic crimes all fell in the 12 months ending in May this year compared with the year ending in May last year.