Is crime in London ‘through the roof’?

London’s reputation as a "lawless" city is challenged by comparative crime data and historical trends. Professor Matt Ashby from University College London’s Centre for Global City Policing reveals that London’s homicide rate, at approximately 1.2 per 100,000 residents, remains typical for a large European city and significantly lower than North American counterparts like Chicago, which sees rates over 20 per 100,000. While London reports higher rates of rape and assault with injury, these figures are largely attributed to broader legal definitions and proactive police efforts to encourage reporting rather than an actual increase in violence. National data also shows that UK knife homicide rates are lower than those in the US and Canada. Ultimately, contemporary London is safer than it was twenty years ago, with current crime levels aligning closely with other major global hubs.