Crime Figures Not Good News For Londoners

2.49.51pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 28th Apr 2004

Commenting on the new figures from the Met Police on crime in London, Liberal Democrat London Mayoral candidate, Simon Hughes, said:- "London's new crime figures are not good news, either for the politicians in charge or for Londoners. In a city where recorded violent crimes have gone up 4% in the last year, and 20% since 2000, there is a huge amount of work still to be done."

"These figures show that the two priorities for the police must be more effective community policing and a stronger attack on violent crime. London's dangerous and violent criminals will know their lives will get harder not easier over the years ahead."

"The last thing London wants is Steve Norris undermining the confidence of a highly respected Commissioner of the police or the officers in the front line. Londoners want more visible policing on all their streets and a quicker response in their hour of need."

"My pledge to Londoners is that from City Hall I will keep the police up to the mark but never undermine their work."