The rate of reoffending in Newham has been more than 13 per cent lower than anticipated over the past four years, according to new figures issued by London Probation Trust.

It had been predicted that almost 8pc of all offenders in the borough would reoffend within three months of their original crime – but in reality, just over 7pc actually did.

Compiled annually, the figures compare a snapshot of all offenders aged 18 and over who are on probation at the end of a quarter, compared to the same period over the previous four years.

The “predictive rate” estimates how many criminals would be expected to reoffend compared to a similar group of offenders, as opposed to the “actual rate” – those that actually did.

London-wide there were 8pc fewer reoffences than had originally been predicted four years ago. Newham was one of 10 London local authorities where reoffending was significantly lower than expected.

Donna Charles Vincent, Assistant Chief Officer for Newham at London Probation Trust, said: “This shows that probation is delivering results when it comes to deterring offenders from repeating past mistakes.

“Unfortunately there will always be a small section of the community that will commit crime, but in the majority of cases where we do intervene, we are able to help offenders make better choices.”

Newham was one of 10 London local authorities where reoffending was significantly lower than expected.

A spokeswoman for the London Probation Trust also said the figures reflected the intensive support provided to offenders by many agencies including police, local authorities, substance misuse agencies as well as organisations providing housing and employment training.