London Sees Drop in Gun Crime—but the Battle’s Not Over
Gun Crime Figures Reveal Progress
London has suffered more than 140 gun crime incidents over the past year, including 145 firearms offences and eight deadly shootings since March 2023. Despite this grim tally, the Metropolitan Police claim major strides in slashing gun violence.
- Firearms offences: 145
- Gun-related murders: 8
- Illegal guns seized: 386
Sharp Decline in Firearm Offences
Gun crime is on the retreat. Firearms incidents fell from 196 in 2022/23 to 145 in 2023/24. Meanwhile, gun-related murders dropped from 12 to eight over the last three years – the lowest in 15 years. The Met’s elite detectives have harnessed cutting-edge data and forensic tech to hunt down illegal weapons and bring offenders to justice.
Targeted Crackdowns Yield Results
Targeted police operations in boroughs like Harrow, Brent, Barnet, Lambeth, and Southwark have seen dramatic dips in gun crime. Harrow, Brent, and Barnet haven’t recorded a single gun murder since 2020—a big improvement from yearly shootings before then. Lambeth and Southwark slashed gun crimes by 44% in the past year alone.
Met Commander Speaks Out
“Guns destroy lives and communities,” said Met Commander Paul Brogden, head of specialist crime teams. “Recent shootings across London remind us there’s still much work to do. We remain relentless in pursuing those who use and supply illegal firearms. Our commitment is to make London safer and bring justice to victims and their families.”
Spotlight on Tyrese Miller Case
The grim human cost is clear in cases like Tyrese Miller, 22, tragically shot dead in Croydon last year in a case of mistaken identity. One man has been convicted of manslaughter, two others for firearm offences. Tyrese’s mother Jackie Taylor voiced her heartbreak: “No mother should have to bury their son like I have.”
Still a Long Road Ahead
The Met’s ongoing efforts are delivering encouraging results, but recent shootings show London’s gun crime problem is far from solved. Police vow to keep up the pressure to protect residents and slash gun violence for good.
