Mike Graham, a prominent talkshow host on Talk radio, has become the latest victim of rising crime in London, which he attributes to Mayor Sadiq Khan's leadership. Graham returned to his Maserati parked in a supposedly secure NCP car park, monitored by 24/7 patrols, only to find the rear windscreen smashed. Despite the visible damage, thieves only stole an old ski jacket from the car, leaving behind a case of wine and other items.

Detailing the incident during his radio show, Graham expressed his frustration not only at the personal violation but also at what he sees as the broader decline in the capital’s safety. He recounted his experiences with crime and disorder in the car park, noting repeated issues with individuals breaking into cars and youths openly using marijuana. Autoglass repair services corroborated his experience, with staff noting a surge in similar break-ins across London and Manchester.

Graham’s anger ties into a wider political feud surrounding the state of London under Sir Sadiq Khan, who has recently come under attack from former President Donald Trump. Trump called Khan a "terrible mayor" and controversially claimed London was edging towards Sharia law, a statement widely dismissed as unfounded. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer labelled Trump’s remarks as "nonsense," defending Khan and dismissing claims that Islamic law could be introduced in London. Khan’s office also rebutted these allegations, calling Trump’s comments "bigoted" and emphasizing that Sharia councils in England have no legal jurisdiction.

The mayor has faced sustained criticism regarding crime rates during his tenure, a subject that has sparked heated debate. Recent research reveals an 86% increase in knife offences over the past decade in London, with the West End experiencing a disproportionate share of such crimes. Conviction rates for robbery and theft remain strikingly low, with just 5% of robberies and 0.6% of street theft cases resolved last year. David Spencer, a former Scotland Yard detective, has called for a robust "crime fighting first" approach to counter this trend.

The political quarrel between Khan and Trump is long-standing, stretching back to 2016 when Khan condemned Trump’s Muslim immigration ban proposals. The tension escalated recently with Trump refusing to include Khan in his UK state visit events, further stoking public and political discourse about London's safety and governance. Khan has responded by emphasizing London as a diverse, vibrant city, safer than many major U.S. cities, pointing to official statistics where the homicide rate in London is markedly lower than in the U.S.

While Graham’s personal experience highlights the tangible impact of crime on Londoners, it echoes broader concerns about law and order that have fuelled political rows and public anxiety. As London grapples with these challenges, debates continue over how best to safeguard its streets while maintaining its status as a world-leading city.

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Source: Noah Wire Services