CRIME in Marylebone and St John s Wood is falling but robbery continues to be a problem. Latest figures released by police this week show that overall crime is down almost 10 per cent across the area bounded by Edgware Road and Tottenham Court Road, and O

CRIME in Marylebone and St John's Wood is falling but robbery continues to be a problem.

Latest figures released by police this week show that overall crime is down almost 10 per cent across the area bounded by Edgware Road and Tottenham Court Road, and Oxford Street up to Kilburn.

One notable improvement over the past year has been in tackling residential burglary (down 41 per cent). Progress has also been made by the safer neighbourhood teams in eliminating antisocial behaviour, brothels and burglary.

Mini police stations are planned around the community for the coming year to continue the fight against crime and to gather intelligence.

However, robbery has risen by 67 cases - more than 32 per cent - which means that an average of one robbery a day has been committed in the area during the past year.

"We are still reducing most types of crime, but robbery is a big

blip," Superintendent Jon Morgan told a public meeting held on Tuesday night.

"Most of these are schoolboy-type offences, so people shouldn't think Marylebone is becoming a dangerous area.

"Fortunately, most of the robberies have not been too serious. They are mostly being committed by people under 25."

Problems outside schools have arisen over the past year with pupils targeted by gangs.

High-visibility patrols around 9am and 3pm have been deployed in key areas between school gates and Tube stations and these are having a positive effect, according to police.

But warnings have also been issued to local people to remember to conceal their valuables - especially satellite navigation systems - from parked cars.

"We cannot legislate against the stupidity of people leaving satnavs on display," Inspector Gary Wilson told the audience in Council House on Marylebone Road.