London murder rate overtakes New York

Bl4ckGryph0n

I can see he controls the budget, but is it not the government that determines how much he gets?

Those comparing London to New York, if any of you have actually been to New York you will instantly see one of the differences. There is police everywhere, police cars everywhere, compare that to London where unless you are in an airport, train station or near 10 Downing Street or Houses of Parliament, you may never see one.

You can’t take £1billion from the overall uk police budget and not expect crime levels to rise.

robel

The Major has control over his budgets. Instead of putting cycling lanes in he could have used the money for the police.

Undoubtedly visible policing may thwart some, as do more stop and searches, as does community work, and youth work. However commuting murder is a big thing (well it is to me) those killing others have a choice. And their choice only.

rancidpunk

I think you've missed the point. Obviously individuals carry out the crimes - that need not be said, however there is a reason for the increase in violent crime. That is the essence, the fundamental behind it all.

One reason could be the cause is down to the effect of reduced policing caused by government cuts to the force.

...In other words: politics.

Greg Hook

Contributing factor in not reducing it may, but never the reason in my option. Politics or funding is not the reason for gangland war around postcodes. Stupid individuals making that choice.

rancidpunk

I lived in Manhattan in the 90´s and was never overly concerned. Took the subway and wondered around the city very late at night.

Visiting London these days, I would certainly think twice about using my mobile in public....

Bl4ckGryph0n

Yep, you can often see the moped double acts riding up and down looking for those on mobiles or with bags slung loosely over shoulders. With CCTV as the only, easily countered, deterrent, they've got the streets, and paths, to themselves.

Greg Hook

People haven't suddenly changed. Gangs haven't suddenly appeared.
Criminals have always been around and so have gangs in various forms.

When there is very little police presence in most of the city apart from a few areas, then only the obvious will happen.

I've never felt as safe in a major city as I do in NYC. I don't feel unsafe in London, I just am more aware.

krish

I  can see why ...
                                                                       

domtheone

Pretty much the same everywhere.

Only time I ever see the police is in motorist service stations/motorways (catching the speeding motorist - far worse a crime than stabbing someone to death) or, as you say, airports, train stations etc.

I thought we had record (or close) police in this country.

krish

record low?
- England & Wales: Jul 17, Jan 18 ...
Police numbers hit 30-year low as crime sees highest annual rise in a decadeNumber of police officers in England and Wales hits record low