Crime in London: What’s Actually Going On?
- Joanna Ziobronowicz
- Jul 23
- 4 min read
You’ve probably heard people say “London’s getting more dangerous,” but what’s the real picture? Are all crimes on the rise? Actually—no. The truth is a bit more nuanced.
Crime in London changes year by year, with ups and downs across different categories. Some types of crime have dropped, while others are climbing—and understanding the difference really matters.
London’s Overall Crime Rate
Right now, the overall crime rate in London is 132.2 crimes per 1,000 people. That’s high compared to other regions, but it’s important to break down what types of crimes specifically are on the rise.
Sexual assault has unfortunately seen a rise, drawing attention to the need for better education, prevention, and support systems.
Shoplifting has jumped 35.5% in just the last year, hitting local businesses hard.
Theft from the person (like mobile phone snatching or pickpocketing) is a major concern, and it's growing fast.
Bank Theft: Growing fast, especially in London. Criminals are shifting tactics, focusing on high-volume, low-value scams to stay ahead of security measures.
Theft From the Person: London’s Hidden Epidemic
100,000 cases were reported between June 2024 and May 2025
That’s 8.7% of all crimes in London
And the rate is 502% above the national average—the highest in the UK
It’s also up 14.1% from last year
Bank Freud: Now makes up 41% of all reported crime in Britain.
It continues to be a serious issue across the UK, with a record 3.31 million cases reported in 2024—that’s a 12% increase from the previous year.
Personal thefts often occur swiftly and discreetly—in crowded places, on public transport, in cafés, or simply while walking down the street with a phone in hand. Similarly, perpetrators of bank fraud have become increasingly sophisticated, employing tactics designed to catch victims off guard by creating a sense of urgency and using psychological pressure to distract and manipulate.
So what are some of the things we can think about to stay safe? (Please read till the end)
Awareness & Prevention Tips
Avoid walking with your phone out—especially near station exits, escalators, or shop fronts (these are common snatch points).
Walk facing oncoming traffic so thieves on bikes or scooters can’t easily grab your bag or phone and speed off.
Use crossbody bags and wear them across your front, with zippers fully closed.
Carry bags with the opening facing inwards (towards your body), not outwards where someone can unzip it behind your back.
Be especially alert when someone 'bumps' into you—it could be a distraction technique for a pickpocketing attempt.
Position yourself where you can see what’s going on—when standing still (like at a bus stop or outside a café), try to face away from a wall or building. You’ll have a clearer view of people around you and are less likely to be caught off guard from behind.
If you're on a date and something feel off but you're scared to leave safety, head to the staff and ask for Angela (we will soon be describing these schemes and explaining where this can work).
Public Transport Tips
Don’t hang your bag or coat on the back of your seat on buses or cafés—easy target.
On the Tube or other public transport, avoid standing near doors while distracted—that’s a hotspot for grab-and-run thefts.
Keep a hand on your pocket or bag in crowded carriages, even if it feels awkward.
When entering a Tube carriage, make it a habit to quickly locate the emergency handle. When it’s safe and not already occupied, try to position yourself nearby. It’s a small thing, but knowing where it is can make all the difference if you—or someone else—ever needs help fast.
Street Safety
Stick to well-lit, busier routes at night, even if it takes a little longer.
Don't use headphones in isolated spaces, or only plug in one earbud—so you can stay aware of your surroundings.
If you think you're being followed, head into a busy shop, café, or anywhere public and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Share your location with a friend if you’re walking home alone late.
Have legally approved self-defence weapons with you for added safety - we will soon be sharing a video on those, so stay tuned!
Simple Tips to Spot and Avoid Bank Fraud
Be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from your bank asking for personal info or passwords. Banks never ask for these over the phone or email.
Check the sender’s email address or phone number carefully—fraudsters often use addresses that look similar but aren’t quite right.
Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious messages. Instead, go directly to your bank’s official website.
Set up alerts on your bank account for any unusual transactions or large withdrawals.
Regularly review your bank statements and report any unfamiliar transactions immediately.
Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your banking apps or online accounts.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking or financial transactions to reduce the risk of data theft.
NEVER, EVER leave your bank card unattended. The amount of people that can copy your card number and make online transactions is something we hear about on a daily basis!
As always, AWARENESS is number one safety measure, especially when it comes to personal theft or bank theft.
Whether you’re walking through a busy street or checking your bank app, awareness is your first line of defence. Most crimes—like phone snatching, pickpocketing, or fraud scams—rely on distraction, surprise, or a moment of inattention.
When you're alert:
You're less likely to be targeted.
You're more likely to spot red flags early.
You give yourself time to act, whether that’s moving away, hiding your valuables, or questioning a suspicious message.
Awareness = Prevention.
Like, share or comment and let us know if there are any specific topics you'd be interested for us to cover on the next blog post!
Stay safe out there,
Joanna
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