The line graph illustrates the annual trends of severe crimes committed in London from 2003 to 2012. Generally, there was a significant decline in armed robbery while assault increased. However, the murder rate was relatively stable despite considerable fluctuations over the period.
In 2003, weapon-assisted theft was the most common crime that reached its peak in 2004. However, it dramatically declined until 2008, when it resumed an upward trend and levelled out around 1500 per year after 2009.
Assault was the second most common type of crime in 2003, it increased slightly in 2004, and fell through 2006. It then recovered to commence an increasing pattern and surpassed armed robbery between 2006 and 2007 before it saw the second dip briefly in 2008. Thereafter, it sharply rose and reached its highest point at the end.
Murder was the least common crime throughout the period with noticeable fluctuations. However, it initially increased to the peak in 2005, followed by a steady fall, and rose again from 2008 to 2010. It then decreased slightly and stabilised at just over 500 annually till the end.