REDBRIDGE is the only outer east London borough to have seen an overall drop in crime, new statistics have revealed.

According to data released last month by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), overall crime levels in Redbridge fell by 2.58 per cent between this year and last.

The data shows that the total number of crimes in the borough fell from 20,089 for the year ending March 2015 to 16,792 for the year ending March 2016.

In contrast, crime increased by 10.23 per cent in Havering, 7.57 per cent in Barking and Dagenham, and 4.85 per cent in Waltham Forest.

The number of crimes in Newham also increased from 28,901 in 2015 to 29,964 in 2016.

Within Redbridge however, the number of homicides, weapons offences, criminal damage charges and incidences of shoplifting have all seen an increase.

Snaresbrook ward councillor Suzanne Nolan welcomed the news that overall crime stats in the borough have fallen, but is concerned they do not reflect the situation in all Redbridge wards.

She said: “It’s fantastic crime across the borough has gone down, but I would like to see the breakdown of stats in different wards, as I fear there may have only been decreases in certain areas where there is a larger police presence.

“I think the general feeling on our side of Redbridge is that we want to see more officers on the streets.

“I know our new Mayor Sadiq Khan has promised two bobbies on the beat in every London ward, so I hope he keeps that promise and we get more officers in Wanstead and Snaresbrook in the near future.”

She added that she is “very worried” by recent increases in knife crime reflected in the data, but it is “good news” bike theft, drugs offences and robbery have all fallen.

She said: “This time of year we always get increases in burglaries because people leave their windows and doors open in the hot weather.

“We would urge elderly residents in particular to keep themselves and their houses safe by closing them when they go to sleep or go out.

“My neighbour got burgled just the other day, so it might be good news for the borough as a whole, but it’s not for everyone as these crimes are clearly still happening.”

Redbridge Council's cabinet member for civic pride, Cllr Ross Hatfull added: "It’s great news overall crime rates have decreased and through our efforts and excellent partnership ethos we will continue to work hard to reduce crime in the borough.

"We can’t afford to be complacent and although overall these results are positive we need to continue to work closely together to maintain momentum in our fight against crime and meet our residents’ needs by making Redbridge a safer place."

Redbridge Borough Police have been contacted for comment.