GETTY 62 people have died on London's streets so far this year as figures show a 44% increase in murders

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There has been a total of 36 stabbings and 62 killings in London so far this year, which for the first time ever, puts the capital ahead of New York City. Data released by the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee show 157 murders in the 2017 to 2018 period, compared to 109 the 12 months before. The statistics reveal a staggering 44 percent increase in murders.

The number of youth murders also rose by 30 percent, from 26 cases in 2016-2017 to 34 in the period 2017-2018. Personal robbery was up 36 percent, from 22,479 to 30,609, while burglary of a dwelling leapt up to 33 percent, from 43,424 cases to 58,050. Committee chairman Steve O'Connell said: "The unacceptable rise in the most heinous crimes such as murder, street robbery and burglaries is deeply troubling.

GETTY Violent crime is on the rise in London

"The Mayor of London and the Met need to take urgent practical steps to address these crimes, all of which are a third up from this time last year. "Our committee will be asking what steps are being taken to keep Londoners safe and reverse this appalling escalation in crime." In the overall category of "violence against the person", there were 1.3 million crimes logged, a rise of a fifth on the number in 2016.

Police forces logged 39,598 offences involving a knife or sharp instrument in 2017, a 22 percent increase compared with the previous year. Firearms-related offences were also up by 11 percent, with 6,604 recorded crimes taking place in the capital. Across the country, figures show a nine percent rise in homicides since 2017, excluding terror attack victims.