Why some London boroughs like Croydon are hot spots for gun crime, as one area stands out

A Metropolitan Police commander has said the force is “not complacent” in tackling gun crime and wants to continue to build trust between officers and London’s communities. Speaking to MyLondon, Commander Paul Brogden explained why certain neighborhoods are more affected than others, as the city as a whole has seen an increase in incidents over the past 12 months.

Between May 2023 and May 2024, Enfield recorded the most gun crimes (105 incidents). There were 86 in Tower Hamlets, 82 in Hackney, 82 in Southwark, 79 in Lambeth, 77 in Haringey and 76 in Croydon and Brent.

When comparing the number of incidents in the 12 months ending May 2024 with the 12 months ending May 2023, there was an increase of 0.9% in the city (1,649 incidents).

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Commander Brogden said when asked why certain areas are the hardest hit: “It fluctuates. We have seen recent growth in South London – Lambeth, Southwark. Much police investigative work has reduced this, fortunately.

“Similarly in Brent and North West London, so it ebbs and flows. It is often linked to areas of social deprivation. We absolutely understand this. We work with those communities, build trust and confidence to come forward whenever we see a serious incident. gun crime.

“It’s really important that the public trust us to investigate. But it spills over, but it’s often in areas of social deprivation.” He added that it was “no doubt” also due to gangs and drugs.

“Money and guns are an unhealthy cocktail,” added Commander Brogden. “We find that many of the serious releases are gang-related and, unfortunately, often related to the drug trade.”

“Low serious incidents”

Last year, gun crime in London rose by just under 20% – rising from 1,009 offenses in 2022 to 1,208 in 2023. But the Met says “serious” incidents have fallen.

Commander Paul Brogden said the force was “not complacent” and was “redoubled efforts” to tackle the “vicious cycle of violence” in the city. He added that guns are most often used by gangs to sell drugs, enforce debts and control territories.

Last year, 386 firearms were seized in the city by officers, including Scorpion submachine guns. But the Met says it will keep up the pressure on criminals.

Commander Brogden then said he had a “simple message” for those planning to buy or use guns in London: “The Met will find you, we will bring you to justice, convict you and jail you.”

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