Rise in Westminster crime

Figures for violence crime rose from 8,473 in 2008 to 8,768 last year, and gun crime went up from 50 to 88 over the same period.

The official statistics released last week show rapes, robberies and burglaries have also all slightly risen.

The number of murders dropped from seven to four, and motor vehicle crime is also down from 4,245 in 2008 to 3,137 last year.

Detective superintendent Ian Mill, based at Marylebone police station, denied 2009 was a bad year for policing in Westminster.

He said: "There was a very substantial reduction in crime in 2008, so this year's figures are only up in comparison.

"We've increased detection rates and I'm very proud of the number of arrests we have made for serious violent crimes and domestic violence crimes.

"Westminster is actually a very safe place to be.

"Thousands of people come into the borough every single day and go about their business and are not victims of crime."

"We'll be running campaigns right through this year to reduce serious violence and we'll be looking to reduce the overall number of offences that are committed in the borough.

"We'll also continue to detect as many as we can."

He added that Westminster police were proud of their work in tackling 'smash and grab' robberies across the borough.

"We're pleased with the work we have done with the local authority and local businesses in reducing 'smash and grab' robberies in the St John's Wood area and around Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street in the West End," he said.

Across London, crime has dropped to its lowest level in ten years.

There were nearly 20,000 fewer victims of crime in 2009 than 2008.

Commander Maxine de Brunner said: "The Met is not complacent.

"We recognise there remain challenging areas, and we continue to tackle those challenges head on."