The borough has seen a six per cent increase in crime, the latest figures have revealed.

In total there were 18,624 crimes reported in the borough in the last financial year, according to figures released on Thursday by the Office for National Statistics. Up by about six percent from 17,619 the year before.

The borough has the eight lowest total in London with Westminster seeing the most with 57,496 crimes. The City of London saw the least (5,392).

There were four killings in the last financial year compared to seven for the year to March 2017. However, robberies have increased (957) and offences involving vehicles (2,749) rose compared to the year before, 532 and 2,348 respectively.

There were 1,274 burglaries to March 2018.

On the London-wide picture of rising crime, the Met’s assistant commissioner Martin Hewitt said: “The Met continues to experience a very busy and challenging time against the backdrop of significant reductions in resources.

“I am very concerned about the rise in crime in the capital, particularly murder, violent crime and knife crime.

“My thoughts are with the victims’ families of these tragic and horrific crimes which have brought untold misery to countless people.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “These latest national statistics confirm that violent crime is ripping communities apart and devastating too many lives.

“And they confirm the terrible consequences of a government in denial about the terrible impact its cuts have had in tackling crime and its causes.

“The figures must surely serve as a wake-up call for the government to change its ways.”

Police minister Nick Hurd said: “Every violent crime is a significant concern and the government is taking decisive action to tackle it.

“We recognise crime is changing and that police demand is becoming increasingly complex.”

Businesses in the borough were hit by 902 cases of shoplifting, down slightly on the previous year’s total of 927. Further falls saw 1,042 cases of stalking or harrassment the year to March 2018 compared to 1,103 for the 12 months before.

Sex offences rose from 471 to 481.

And drugs crimes rose from 802 to 1,064 in the last financial year.