Nearly quarter of Londoners believe they live in violent neighbourhood

One In Five Londoners consulted perceive a high level of violent crime in their own neighbourhoods, a report by Premier Christian Radio for the Metropolitan Black Police Association has confirmed.

The national consultation reviewed data from more than 3000 Christians, including over 800 in the capital. While only six percent of the rest of the nation believe they live in an area with a high level of violent crime, twenty-two percent of those in London feel they are living in some of the most violent areas in the UK.

Bevan Powell, Deputy Chair of the Metropolitan Black Police Association said, "The key to reducing violence on the streets of the capital and other major cities is to involve all members of the community, police, elders, young people, faith groups, schools. We must work in partnership if we are to find solutions to this."

A map of the capital has been produced with the consultation results, clearly marking boroughs in central and south London as key areas where residents perceive a high level of violent crime. Recent violent crimes, including fatalities were added to the data of the map.

"The results are unsettling," Premier Christian Radio's Richard Smart commented after analysing the data. "Communities are very aware of violent crime around them, and when a fatal shooting or stabbing takes place, it can take a long time for the entire community to feel safe again. When you look at an area where a violent crime has taken place, that community and the joining neighbourhoods are acutely aware of the violence around them."

Thirty-five percent of firearm offences in England and Wales during 2005-2006 took place in London. 75% of victims of these crimes were from the African-Caribbean community.

While this is a serious issue for the Metropolitan Black Police Association, they recognise this isn't a race issue, but something much larger. Deputy Chair of the MetBPA, Bevan Powell said, "Violent crime is a societal issue and not the domain of one particular community or ethnic group. Today many victims of gun crime are from the black community, however, young people from other ethnic groups have fallen victim to gun crime. Violent crime affects all of us and we all have a role to play in finding solutions".