Crime on London's streets has fallen to its lowest level for more than 18 months.

There were 4,615 reported crimes on London's streets in September, the lowest since February 2001, according to figures released by the Metropolitan Police.

They are attributing the fall to a �67m government scheme to cut robberies and muggings.

September's figures were 33.5% lower than January's - the month before the Metropolitan Police introduced Operation Safer Streets.

Crime reductions

Lambeth: 38.6% Westminster: 17.9% Tower Hamlets: 18.7% London: 11%

The scheme saw officers from traffic, Territorial Support Group and other units taken off their usual beat to concentrate on crime hot spots in 15 boroughs.

Lambeth had the best performance with a 38.6% fall in street crime.

Across London, September's figures suggest street crime has fallen by over 11% since April.

Concern over rising street crime in London prompted an ultimatum to police by Home Secretary David Blunkett in February.

Great anxiety

He warned the Metropolitan Police that he would send in his own management hit squad if violent street crime was not sorted out within six months.

Acting assistant commissioner Tim Godwin said since the introduction of the scheme, there had been a "significant fall" in street crime and overall robbery figures.

He said: "The results show we are delivering on street crime and will continue to do so.

"These crimes cause great anxiety for Londoners and we are determined not to take our eye off the ball."