The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced that during October 2026 his Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) will hit the milestone of reaching one million young Londoners since its launch.
New data shows that the number of young people admitted to hospital for knife assault has fallen by 55 per cent since the VRU was set up by the Mayor in 2019. London’s hospital admissions declined at a faster pace, leading to a greater reduction than the rest of the country.
Figures also reveal nearly 12,500 fewer victims of violence with injury compared to when the VRU was established, whilst both gun crime and personal robbery are down by more than a quarter. Knife crime also continues to fall in the capital. Latest data shows there were 2,500 fewer victims of knife crime in the last three years*, and figures show a continued downward trend with a 10 per cent reduction in the last 12 months.
The Mayor has invested more than £140m in the public health approach it has pioneered across London. Through prevention, early intervention and investment in targeted diversionary activities, the VRU has reached three-quarters of a million young people in just over seven years. A further 250,000 parents and carers, youth workers and professionals that work directly with young people, have received dedicated training, upskilling and support.
For full details, please see the Mayor of London and London Assembly website.
* VRU Analysis of Violence in London.
Photo: Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. Photo: Greater London Authority / Caroline Teo.