Croydon has been named London’s most violent area in a damning report

Croydon has been awarded the title of the most violent borough in London, according to the latest data. Figures reviewed by defense solicitors Lawtons showed Croydon had more than 10,000 cases of violence last year, a staggering five per cent rise year-on-year.

But the rise in crime is not exclusive to the south London borough, with crime in the capital reportedly up by 15%. Theft and sex crimes also hit record levels last year, with crimes almost twice as high as in 2021.

The crime index found that although Croydon is the most violent borough, it does not have the most crimes. That prize goes to Westminster, theft being the most serious crime there.

READ MORE: Croydon pub brawl leaves man with ‘serious’ head injuries as 35-year-old arrested

More than 20 per cent of burglaries in London happened in the borough alone, five per cent higher than the standard crime rate for the rest of the country. Nick Titchener, criminal defense lawyer at London law firm Lawtons Solicitors, said: “We have more reports of violence in south London, in places like Croydon in particular.

“While the figures naturally reflect national trends which are increasing due to fewer crimes being recorded during the pandemic, it is still a concern that all types of crime are increasing. Crime and public safety will be one of the major issues at the next general election and is a top priority for councils to keep communities safe.

“With the recent rise in violent crime in London – widespread in the capital and widely covered in the media – there is a new focus on deterrent sentences to prevent knife possession. The biggest tip is to be aware of your surroundings.

“Keep your valuables close and if you’re leaving late at night, it’s a good idea to plan how you’ll get home by checking the time of the last train, bus or tube back to your accommodation.”

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