London rape charge rate falls to 3.4% as reports rise across capital

London police recorded 28,203 sexual offences in the year ending March 2026, including 9,949 rapes. The figures, published by the Home Office, show a 6% increase in reported sexual offences across the capital compared with the previous year. The Metropolitan Police charged suspects in 6.4% of all recorded sexual offences, and in 6.6% of rape cases.

The charge rate for rape in London fell to 3.4%, below the national average of 4.7%. Home Office data shows that fewer than one in 20 recorded sexual offences in England and Wales resulted in a charge. The Metropolitan Police said some investigations remain open and the charge rate may change.

Westminster tops national rate

Westminster recorded the highest rate of sexual offences in England and Wales, with 7.6 offences per 1,000 residents. Police logged 1,603 sexual offences in the borough, including 433 rapes. The figures are influenced by the borough’s large number of commuters and visitors, which inflates the rate relative to its residential population.

Camden had the highest number of recorded sexual offences in London after Westminster, with 950 offences, including 337 rapes. This equates to a rate of 4.4 offences per 1,000 residents. Kensington and Chelsea followed with a rate of 4.1 offences per 1,000 residents, while Lambeth, Tower Hamlets, Southwark, and Hammersmith and Fulham each recorded rates of 3.7 or above.

Reports rise but convictions remain low

Nationally, police recorded 217,000 sexual offences in the year to March 2026, a 4% increase on the previous year. The Home Office said the rise may reflect greater confidence among victims in reporting offences. Sexual offences have more than doubled since 2016, though overall recorded crime has fallen over the past decade.

Outside London, Blackpool had the highest sexual offence rate in England and Wales, with 6.9 offences per 1,000 residents. Major cities recorded the highest total numbers of offences, led by Birmingham with 5,734, Leeds with 3,697, and Manchester with 3,323.

What happens next

The Metropolitan Police said it continues to investigate cases from the past year, which may lead to further charges. The Home Office has not announced changes to funding or policy in response to the latest figures. Residents can view local crime data on the Home Office’s interactive crime map.