Published: 2007/10/18 16:27:47 GMT Gun crime rise bucks overall drop Gun crime in London has risen by nearly 10%, according to new figures released by the Metropolitan Police. There were 1,825 gun-enabled crimes between April and September 2007, up 162 on the same period last year. However, firearms offences in the black community have fallen by about 10% from 131 to 119 over the same period. Overall, crime in London has dropped 6.1% from 467,591 to 439,294 offences, with clear reductions in robbery, violence and knife crime. Youth violence The rise in gun crime appears to be partly driven by a rise in the use of non-lethal weapons, such as replica guns, the Met Police said. "Gun crime continues to cause concern," the Met said in a statement released with the bi-annual figures. We will continue to work tirelessly to remove offensive weapons from our streets by ensuring those who carry them are brought to justice Sir Ian Blair The number of crimes solved has improved from 19.7% to 24%, which is the Metropolitan Police Authority's (MPA) target for the force. Met Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair said 2007/08 was on course to be the fifth year that overall crime has fallen. He said: "However, we share Londoners' concerns around the serious violence affecting young people and will continue to work tirelessly to remove offensive weapons from our streets by ensuring those who carry them are brought to justice." Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said: "These are very welcome figures showing real reductions in crime figures, helping to make London safer. "After decades of falling police numbers, London has turned the corner. "The Met now has record numbers of police, and dedicated police teams located in every single neighbourhood in the city. "This is the level of protection and reassurance our communities have demanded and need." Annually, crime in London fell 6% in 2006/07 compared with the previous year, according to Home Office statistics published in July. Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7051458.stm Published: 2007/10/18 16:27:47 GMT © BBC MMVII