Crime is on the increase in the borough according to the latest figures released by the Metropolitan Police.

Croydon police dealt with 513 more crimes between April 2014 and the end of March 15, compared with the corresponding previous 12 months – a rise of 1.8 per cent.

This included a 17 per cent rise in the number of cases involving wounding or GBH, and a 36 per cent increase in the number of cases involving violence against a person – 2,342 more incidents.

There were also 68 more rapes reported in the borough.

In contrast there was a dramatic drop in the number of robberies and burglaries. There were 574 fewer robberies – a fall of 38 per cent, and 733 fewer burglaries – 19 per cent less than the previous year.

Croydon borough commander Andy Tarrant said: “Croydon police have worked exceptionally hard, in company with other agencies and partners, over the past 12 months to deliver significant reductions in robbery, burglary and theft from motor vehicle.

“Croydon is getting safer and these figures should reduce the fear of crime in all of our communities.

“Violent crime remains a challenge, as does theft of motor vehicles and this is what we will be focusing on reducing in the next 12 months.”

He urged people to think about ways to avoid being a target for criminals, such as leaving lights on in your home while out to discourage burglars, not leaving valuables on show in your car and never leaving a vehicle with the engine idling.