A spike in crime was recorded in October with 200 more incidents reported than in September – increasing from 1,294 to 1,488.

Data released by the Met Police shows 71 more burglaries were reported – up to 209 – and 121 more acts of violence, making 504 in total.

The spike means 160 more crimes were reported in October 2015 than October 2014.

Ch Supt Jason Gwillim, Havering Police’s borough commander, said overall crime levels are falling.

He said: “Although we have seen a recent rise in burglary and violence with injury offences, Havering is also seeing a respective 5.7 per cent reduction for burglary offences in this rolling year.

“Following a rise in violence with injury, we are ensuring our officers and wider resources are in the key hotspot areas at the right times to prevent these offences.

“Havering is still one of, if not, the safest borough to live, work and visit in London.”

Officers in Havering are cracking down to tackle the rise in offences traditionally seen during the autumn and winter.

Police are carrying out extra patrols, using predictive crime mapping to determine likely locations for future crimes and providing residents with advice.

A tactic known as super cocooning will also be used by Safer Neighbourhood teams.

It will see officers visit victims of crime and gather information to help prevent further offences in the surrounding area.

Super cocooning also encourages residents to be extra vigilant.

Advice from police to residents includes using timer switches linked to the lights so it appears that someone is home, installing a visible intruder alarm system and keeping valuable items such as keys out of reach from doors and windows.

What do you think? Have you seen a rise in crime? Email hayley.anderson@archant.co.uk