MET Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair has been criticised by MP Bob Neill for declaring Londoners could feel safe leaving their doors open.
The Conservative Bromley and Chislehurst MP has accused Sir Ian of living "in a different world" after his comments, which were reported in a national newspaper last week.
Figures released by the Met have revealed residential burglaries in Bromley have increased by 13.4 per cent during the past 12 months, from 1,972 to 2,236.
Mr Neill said: "I find it amazing Sir Ian Blair can offer such a complacent view and can only wonder if he lives in a different world to the rest of us.
"This is sending out a confusing message to residents and totally the wrong message to burglars.
"I urge everyone to remain vigilant in the battle against crime."
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