Tory mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey today called for police patrols around parks amid fears violent crime will spike over the summer.
Violent crime has increased 23 per cent since 2015 for the month of July, according to Met figures. In July 2015, there were 16,327 recorded offences compared with 20,242 last year.
Mr Bailey, who will take on Sadiq Khan in the May 2020 election, said: “With the summer holidays upon us, like all concerned parents in the capital, I demand to know what the Mayor is going to do to keep our streets and our children safe.
"Whether increasing foot patrols around parks, or increasing stop and search; London needs a mayor willing to show initiative if we hope to tackle the violence on our streets.”
Summer months traditionally see a spike in violent crime in the capital as schools break up for the summer and people spend more time outside.
Last week the mayor released £360,000 to fund projects giving opportunities to 3,500 young people at risk of getting involved in crime.
A spokesman for Mr Khan said: “Shaun Bailey clearly isn’t paying attention. Sadiq outlined his plans to tackle violent crime, including over summer, in a speech last week.”
