Tips For Avoiding Pickpockets In London
- Don’t look like a tourist.
- Don’t ask for directions from someone in the street.
- Be on high alert when a train/bus is about to stop.
- Don’t ever travel when you’re sleepy, hungover or drunk.
- Don’t wear fancy jewellery or accessories.
- Don’t use your phone in public.
How do you stop pickpockets in London?
Dos
- Do keep purses and bags closed and secure at all times.
- Do carry bags in front of you or diagonally across your chest.
- Do return cards to your purse or wallet quickly and zip it up or button it.
- Do use a purse that’s difficult to open.
- Do use a money belt if you’re carrying a significant quantity of cash.
Is pickpocketing common in London?
London has been named the pickpocketing hotspot of the UK, with over 80,000 thefts taking place in the capital in just two years, new research has shown. Stats published by Compare The Market revealed the 20 areas of the country where pickpockets are most active – and 18 of them were in the capital.
How do you prevent pickpocketing?
Outsmarting Pickpockets and Thieves
- Be prepared.
- Wear a money belt.
- Leave valuables in your hotel room.
- Secure your bag, gadgets, and other valuables when you’re out and about.
- Stay vigilant in crowds and steer clear of commotions.
- Establish a “don’t lose it” discipline.
- Leave a clue for honest finders.
Where are you most likely to get pickpocketed?
| Rank | Attraction | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Las Ramblas | Spain |
| 2 | Eiffel Tower | France |
| 3 | Trevi Fountain | Italy |
| 4 | Charles Bridge | Czech Republic |
What do pickpockets look for?
They don’t employ any special technique; they just seek out people who’ve left themselves vulnerable. For example, college students often study in crowded public areas, with their backpacks sitting open next to them. A pickpocket simply sits nearby and surreptitiously reaches into the victim’s backpack.
Do pickpockets take phones?
Multiple teams of pickpockets flock to festivals to steal your phone and whatever else they can get their hands on. It has unfortunately become big business and is only getting bigger.
What is the most common crime in London?
violence and sexual offences
The most common crimes in City of London are violence and sexual offences, with 1,367 offences during 2021, giving a crime rate of 141.
How safe is London for tourists?
London is generally considered safe, especially in comparison to other popular European cities. Due to the number of people and the fact that it is one of the most famous cities in the world to visit, the security is very high, so you will feel comfortable going through busy areas because they are well guarded.
How do you spot a pickpocket?
Typically, you only let people you are close to into that zone, but pickpockets will find excuses to enter it. For example, they may reach toward you with their camera and ask you to take their picture or they may pretend you dropped something, have an item in their hands and ask you if it is yours.
Are backpacks safe from pickpockets?
Your bag or backpack is probably the most vulnerable area that pickpockets love to target. Backpacks are especially vulnerable because you can’t see if someone is trying to get into it.
What kind of things that pickpocket usually steal?
Pickpockets are thieves who steal items (often wallets or passports, sometimes other valuables) from people’s clothing and bags as they walk in a public place.
What do pickpockets do with your phone?
First, a thief is going to try to disable your phone. They might do this by pulling out your battery, removing your SIM card, switching the phone to airplane mode, or, well, turning off your phone. Second, a thief will try to wipe your device. In order to resell it, they’ll want to prime it for the next owner.
What is the main trick pickpockets?
A classic trick is the ‘stall’, used by pickpocketing gangs all over the world. First, a ‘blocker’, walks in front of the victim (or ‘mark’) and suddenly stops so that the mark bumps into them. Another gang member will be close behind and will bump into both of them and then start a staged argument with the blocker.
Do pickpockets target front pockets?
A pickpocket generally avoids front trouser pockets, and especially buttoned or zippered pockets. If you have to carry your wallet in an unbuttoned jacket, coat or pants pocket, be sure it holds only what you can afford to lose.
What is the pickpocket capital of Europe?
Barcelona
The metropolis of 5.6 million people is particularly notorious for being the pickpocketing capital of Spain. Barcelona is in many senses a victim of its own popularity, with a study in July 2022 crowning it the most visited city in Europe this summer.
How do you protect your wallet from pickpockets?
Tops Tips to Protect Yourself from Pickpockets
- Take precautions before you leave.
- Stash your cash in multiple places.
- Beware of crowded places.
- Be careful around warning signs about pickpockets.
- Keep your priority items to a minimum.
- Always look back.
- Anchor your purse or pack.
- Use an RFID blocking wallet.
Do zippers prevent pickpockets?
The best protection is to eliminate the opportunity of becoming a victim in the first place. pickpocket generally avoids front trouser pockets, and especially buttoned or zippered pockets.
Why do pickpockets target tourists?
Pickpockets target many of us because we stand out and look like we have money. Just be aware of your surroundings and your belongings at all times. If you know you are going to a particularly touristy spot, leave as much at home as you can.
How do I hide my phone from pickpockets?
Use a PopSocket, a wrist strap like Phone Loops or a case with a lanyard or anything else that physically attaches it to you. If you’re traveling in an area known for pickpockets, you might conceal your phone in a zipper scarf.
How do pickpockets take watches?
As a result, the pickpocket will therefore usually begin with handshakes, shoulder pats and even hugs to desensitise their mark to physical touch. From there, a series of misdirections are used to distort your attention, while they start to move in to remove the watch.