Shock rise in muggers who use firearms

20 July 2006

THE number of firearm muggings in the borough has trebled during the past year, according to police figures.

The number of robberies in which a gun was used has gone up from nine in 2004/5 to 25 in 2005/6.

Bromley and Chislehurst MP Bob Neill said: "This is a very worrying precedent, one which needs to be dealt with as swiftly as possible.

"These figures not only suggest a more widespread use of guns, but that they are becoming more and more easily obtainable.

"With the increased amount of council tax that we're being asked to pay, and a comparatively more visible police presence, people of Bromley should be able to feel safe venturing out onto the streets, but these figures do nothing to support that view."

He has pledged to ask London Mayor Ken Livingstone, who sets the annual budget for the Metropolitan Police, what action he intends to take.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Smart, Bromley's head of CID, said: "Robbery of personal property, especially when it involves the use of a firearm, is something we and our partners are working very hard to combat. We are being helped by extra officers from the territorial support group who are currently posted to the borough.

"The Safer neighbourhood Teams that were all in place from April are part of this operation and are helping to provide reassurance.