Report urges removal of Sadiq Khan’s authority over Metropolitan Police
Recent analysis from Policy Exchange highlights crucial issues within the Metropolitan Police Service (Met), particularly in relation to crime rates and operational efficacy. While the Met has made significant progress in solving homicides, other crime categories, particularly high-volume offenses, have seen alarming increases.
Metropolitan Police Performance Overview
According to the report, the Met recorded only 42 homicides in the first half of 2025, marking a significant achievement in this category. However, the force’s effectiveness in managing high-volume crimes has come under scrutiny.
- Shoplifting offenses increased by 167% since 2021-22, reaching a total of 93,705 in 2024-25.
- The Met currently resolves only 5% of reported robberies and burglaries.
- Other statistics include:
| Crime Type | Resolution Rate |
|---|---|
| Robberies and Burglaries | 1 in 20 |
| Bicycle Theft | 1 in 76 |
| Theft from a Person | 1 in 179 |
| Shoplifting | 1 in 13 |
Delay in Community Policing Strategy
The report criticizes Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley for failing to fulfill his commitment to enhance neighborhood policing. It identifies a year-long delay in transitioning the force’s approach from community engagement to active crime-fighting.
Additionally, concerns over a declining number of frontline officers and ongoing station closures were raised. Despite these challenges, Commander Hayley Sewart claimed that new initiatives had led to crime reductions in various areas across London. For instance:
- Theft, robbery, and vehicle crime decreased by nearly 15%.
- Knife-enabled crime fell by 16%, and knife-enabled robbery by over 23%.
- Homicide numbers are at a 10-year low.
Community Support and Funding
Commander Sewart emphasized the Met’s commitment to maintaining public safety amid financial challenges. Despite a funding gap of £260 million, the force has increased its neighborhood teams by over 500 officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in the past two years.
Recent data shows that 81% of Londoners believe the Met is performing satisfactorily or better. Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, reiterated the importance of public safety, highlighting a record investment of £1.16 billion for police in the current year. He emphasized proactive crime reduction strategies, particularly through the country’s first Violence Reduction Unit, which aims to tackle crime’s root causes.
Overall, the report presents a mixed picture of the Metropolitan Police’s effectiveness. While strides in addressing violent crime are promising, the significant rise in high-volume offenses demands urgent attention and action.
