Is London dangerous? Data shows falling crime as mayor takes aim at ‘negative stories’
The News
London's mayor and police chief have cited a 14% drop in recorded street crime to reassure tourists and counter negative online narratives about the city's safety. The Metropolitan Police reported that 'neighbourhood crime,' including theft and burglary, fell in the year to June, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Westminster. The data aims to address perceptions of London as dangerous.
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Mayor and police chief used data to reassure tourists
Neighbourhood crime includes phone theft, pickpocketing, residential burglary and vehicle crime.
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Key findings
The drop in crime was used to counter an online narrative depicting London as a lawless dystopia.
South China Morning Post- Mayor and police chief used data to reassure tourists
- Action counters 'online narrative' of London as lawless
Plain English
Loaded language removedLondon’s mayor and police chief have used a drop in recorded street crime to reassure tourists the city is safe and counter an online narrative depicting Britain’s capital as an unsafe city. The city’s Metropolitan Police force said “neighbourhood crime”, a category that includes phone theft, pickpocketing, residential burglary and vehicle crime, fell 14 per cent in the year to June.
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Claims
The drop in crime was used to counter an online narrative depicting London as a lawless dystopia.
South China Morning PostLondon's mayor and police chief used a drop in recorded street crime to reassure tourists the city is safe.
South China Morning PostThe Metropolitan Police force said 'neighbourhood crime' fell 14% in the year to June.
South China Morning PostNeighbourhood crime includes phone theft, pickpocketing, residential burglary and vehicle crime.
South China Morning Post