THE crime rate in Ealing has seen a significant drop this year, compared to 2019.

According to statistics released by the Metropolitan Police, Ealing experienced 27,138 crimes this year, making it the ninth highest borough in London.

That's a drop of 4,702 incidents (14.8%) compared to last year however, as Ealing saw 31,840 crimes in 2019.

Crimes included theft and handling, violence against the person, burglary, criminal damage, drugs, robbery, sexual offences and fraud and forgery among others.

The explanation for the lower number of crimes this year can be mostly attributed to the coronavirus pandemic.

The two total lockdowns, along with the tier system, the fall in the number of tourist visitors and a closure of the town's nightlife has meant that there are less opportunities for crimes to take place.

Although Ealing was the borough with the ninth most crimes in the Capital, when looking at the rate of crimes per 1,000 residents, Ealing ranks 20th.

Westminster was the borough with the highest number of crimes both as a total, but also with the highest rate per 1,000 residents.