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Current Trends in Robbery and Mugging Statistics in London: What the Data Shows

Therun Nakkeeran

Last Updated: February 27, 2025

Time to read: 8 min.

Key insights

  • According to Statista, the Metropolitan Police reported a sharp rise in robbery cases in London from 24,958 in 2022/23 to 34,465 in 2023/24. 
  • CrimeRate revealed that the towns and cities with the highest robbery rates are Lambeth, Hackney, and Haringey.
  • According to the Youth Justice Board, around 40% of muggings in London are committed by individuals aged 16 or younger.
  • Mayor Sadiq Khan highlighted that inequality, a lack of youth services, and poor mental health support increase the risk of young people becoming involved in crime, such as mugging.
  • In 2024, the Metropolitan Police implemented Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology to combat various crimes, including muggings. 
  • Despite initiatives, The Standard reports that over 18,500 personal property robberies in London in 2023 were closed without a suspect being identified. 
  • The Liberal Democrats has advocated for the reinstatement of over 4,000 Police Community Support Officers who have been removed since 2015.

The data provided by CrimeRate highlights a noticeable increase in robbery cases across England and Wales, with 74,048 incidents reported in 2024. This represents a 3.7% rise from 2023.

This upward trend in reported robberies is reflected in the increase in the overall crime rate, which grew from 1.24 to 1.28 per 1,000 people.

number-of-robbery-offences-recorded

London, as a major urban centre, contributes significantly to this trend. According to Statista, the Metropolitan Police reported a sharp rise in robbery cases from 24,958 in 2022/23 to 34,465 in 2023/24. 

The substantial growth in robbery numbers in London is particularly concerning, suggesting the need for focused interventions in high-risk areas.

Robbery rates reported by towns and cities in London

towns-and-cities-with-the-highest-robbery-rates

CrimeRate reveals that the top 10 towns and cities in England and Wales with the highest robbery rates are all part of Greater London. 

Lambeth has the highest robbery rate, with 8.16 robberies per 1,000 people during the day. It is followed by Hackney at 7.24 and Haringey at 6.43.

Robbery covers a range of crimes, but one of the most pressing concerns for Londoners is mugging. Victim Support described mugging as a specific type of robbery that involves physically attacking or threatening someone in a public space to take their belongings. 

Essentially, all muggings are robberies, but not all robberies are muggings.

Understanding these patterns helps authorities improve safety measures and address underlying issues like unemployment and urban design. 

Though specific mugging data is limited, crime reports suggest certain groups are more vulnerable.

Demographic analysis of mugging offenders in London

mugging-offences-in-london-by-age

According to the Youth Justice Board, around 40% of muggings in London are committed by individuals aged 16 or younger, while the remaining 60% involve offenders older than 16.

A study by the Greater London Authority found that serious youth violence has been increasing since 2012, closely linked to poverty levels.

More than a quarter of young Londoners live in the city’s most deprived areas, and three-quarters of the boroughs with the highest rates of violent crime are among the 10 most deprived in London.

The costs and consequences of mugging in London

the-costs-and-consequences-of-muggings

The financial consequences of high mugging rates in London are significant. StudyCountry states that in a 12-month period, the average reported muggings is 57,000. 

Victims lose an estimated £28.5 million, based on £500 lost per incident. This includes cash, mobile phones, jewellery, and personal belongings.

In addition to stolen items, victims face insurance costs, including excess fees and higher premiums. 

For home insurance, Oakleafe reports that claims for stolen items can lead to premium increases of 10-20%, while mobile phone insurance premiums may rise by £50-£100, especially with frequent claims or missing police reports. 

These additional costs could total £5-10 million annually across the city due to muggings.

The cost of increased policing and investigations also adds to the financial burden. Areas like Lambeth and Hackney could allocate £20 million annually to fund extra policing, straining local government budgets.

London’s interventions and solutions to mugging crimes

london-s-interventions-and-solutions

Live facial recognition

The Metropolitan Police implemented Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology to combat various crimes, including muggings. This advanced system has significantly enhanced their ability to identify and apprehend suspects.

In 2024, the Metropolitan Police arrested 540 individuals using LFR technology. These arrests encompassed a range of offences, including mugging. 

Community policing efforts

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has also implemented neighbourhood policing ensuring that officers are visible and accessible within communities, fostering trust and enabling proactive crime prevention. 

Project Servator was also launched by the City of London Police. It involves unpredictable deployments of uniformed and plainclothes officers supported by dogs and mounted units.

This strategy aims to deter criminal activity, including muggings, by creating a visible and unpredictable police presence.

Public awareness campaigns

Public education is vital in preventing muggings and empowering communities. 

In 2020, the MPS launched the “Look Up. Look Out.” campaign. This encourages the public to stay alert and report suspicious activities, aiming to prevent street robberies.

The City of London Police has also addressed the rise in mobile phone thefts through their “Phone Snatching” campaign. Its goal is to educate the public on how to protect their devices and report incidents.

Lastly, the “School Age Robbery” Initiative focuses on preventing robberies among school-aged young people. This provides education and resources to both students and parents.

Challenges and ongoing efforts

Despite these initiatives, challenges remain. 

In 2023, The Standard reports that over 18,500 personal property robberies in London were closed without a suspect being identified. 

During the same time period, the Liberal Democrats reported that 47,232 burglaries in the City of London and Metropolitan London were closed without a suspect being identified. This accounts for 64% and 82% of all cases, respectively. 

The Liberal Democrats have also called for restoring community policing and reinstating 4,000 Police Community Support Officers who have been removed since 2015.

Addressing these issues is crucial to enhancing public safety and ensuring more effective responses to mugging crimes in the future.

Safety Tips 

Preventive Measures

preventative-measures-from-mugging

To reduce the risk of falling victim to muggings, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions as much as possible.

Carrying only what you need can also help. Avoid showing expensive items and putting valuables in your back pockets.

When walking, especially at night, try to stay on well-lit streets and in populated areas. A study indicates that muggings happen in poorly lit or isolated areas. Muggers are less likely to target you if you’re in a place where other people are around.

If you notice suspicious behaviour, it’s best to move to a safer area. Try to travel with friends or family, particularly in the evening. Crimes like muggings are less likely to happen in groups. 

Lastly, if you notice suspicious activity or witness something concerning, report it to the authorities. 

How to respond during a mugging to ensure personal safety

If you find yourself in a situation where you’re being mugged, it’s important to focus on ensuring your personal safety. The goal is to avoid escalating the situation and to prioritise your well-being over any material possessions.

how-to-respond-during-a-mugging-to-ensure-personal-safety

First and foremost, stay calm. Panicking might provoke the attacker. If the mugger is asking for something from you, hand it over without resistance. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, nearly 50% of robbery victims are injured when they resist the attacker, compared to 25% when they comply.

Do not attempt to fight the attacker unless you absolutely must, and only if you believe you can safely do so. If the situation allows, scream to alert passersby. 

However, it’s crucial to assess the situation. If the attacker is armed or threatening, drawing attention might increase the risk. If you can do so safely, memorise details about the attacker. This can help law enforcement later.

After the mugging, report the incident to the police as soon as possible. 

If you’re involved in a mugging, it’s important to seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel injured. 

Research shows that around 8% of robbery victims develop Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and 2% experience PTSD within a few months. It’s advisable to seek support and care after such an event to address both physical and mental health.

Support services

If you’ve been a victim of mugging in London, several resources and support services are available to assist you.

To report the incident or in need of immediate assistance, call 999 to reach the police. If you have a non-urgent matter, contact 101.

For ongoing support, Victim Support is an independent charity that offers free and confidential help to victims of crime across England and Wales. You can contact them through their 24/7 support line at 0808 168 9111 or visit their website at victimsupport.org.uk.

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