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On his recent flight back to the US, Donald Trump didn’t hold back when discussing London Mayor Sadiq Khan. He called Khan “among the worst mayors in the world” and claimed that crime in London is “through the roof.” Their rivalry has been ongoing for years, sparked by Khan’s earlier criticism of Trump’s travel ban proposal.

But is Trump’s claim about crime in London accurate? Let’s take a closer look.

Recent data shows that from March 2024 to March 2025, recorded crime in the Metropolitan Police area, which is under Khan’s authority, increased by 1%. In contrast, crime across England and Wales fell by 2% during that same time. While overall crime in London has ticked up slightly, some violent offenses, like homicide and assaults, have actually decreased this past year.

When looking at crime rates per 1,000 residents, London stands at 105.5—high, but slightly below Greater Manchester, which is at 108.2. Since Khan began his term in 2016, crime in the Metropolitan Police area has risen by about 25%. However, during the same period, crime across England and Wales has surged by a staggering 33%.

Experts suggest that police statistics may not paint the full picture of crime trends over time. Changes in how crimes are reported can influence these numbers significantly. For a robust assessment of Khan’s performance, we need to consider crime across different police areas, relying on recorded figures.

The conversation around crime rates has also shifted in recent years. A 2023 survey by the Office for National Statistics found that while many Londoners feel safe in their neighborhoods, a significant percentage still express concerns about specific crimes, such as burglary and street theft. This mix of perceptions and raw statistics creates a complex picture that goes beyond simple claims.

As discussions about crime and safety continue, it’s key to rely on accurate data and insights, rather than sensational claims. It’s important for residents and leaders alike to work together to tackle the challenges and ensure communities feel safe.

For further details on police data, you can check out the Office for National Statistics [here](https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/datasets/policeforceareadatatables).

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