Burglary in Kingston rose by 47 per cent in October compared with the previous month.
Residential burglary is on an upward rise over the last three years, while all notifiable offences rose from 760 in September to 865 (13 per cent) in October.
Inspector Mark Bullen, from Kingston North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Seasonal changes in crime figures are not uncommon.
“The increase from September to October could be for a number reasons; Kingston welcomes many thousands of new students during September as the new academic year begins.”
Despite the increased number of burglaries Kingston has been recognized as the safest borough in London and there has been a reduction in crime compared to the previous year.
The statistics were released by the Metropolitan Police shortly after three masked men stabbed a man in the Cambridge Estate, but in spite of this violent attack residents still feel safe in the area.
Zoe Day, a barmaid at the Bricklayers Arms, said: “I’ve worked here four or five years and there has been no trouble at all in the estate.”
Police are urging those who wish to report crime to do so by speaking to their Local Neighbourhood Teams or by visiting a police contact point such as at Cowleaze Road.
