October 31st 2024.
London's 10 Worst Areas for Pickpockets:
Attention Londoners! Be on high alert as pickpocketing has reached alarming levels in certain areas of our beloved city. According to the Metropolitan Police, there has been a staggering 700% increase in reported cases of pickpocketing between March 2023 and 2024. This amounts to over 79,000 incidents, with the majority being reported in Westminster, where one in seven individuals have fallen victim to this crime. Mobile phones seem to be the most commonly targeted item.
The situation in Westminster is particularly concerning, with a 712% rise in pickpocketing compared to three years ago. This makes it the top borough in London for thefts. Following closely behind is Camden, with 6,848 reported cases and a rate of 31.41 pickpockets per 1,000 people in its population of 218,000. In third place is Southwark, where 5,935 people have reported being pickpocketed, resulting in a rate of 19.03 per 1,000 residents.
Other areas of London are also facing a similar surge in pickpocketing, with Kensington and Chelsea experiencing a 426% increase since three years ago. In Lambeth, there has been a 280% rise, while the City of London has seen a 266% increase and Greenwich a 245% increase.
According to data from the Office of National Statistics, these 32 boroughs of London account for a staggering 70% of all reported pickpocketing incidents in the entire UK. Shahzad Ali, the CEO of Get Licensed, has expressed concern over this trend, stating that it not only affects the safety of citizens but also negatively impacts the city's reputation and economy.
The worst affected area, Westminster, has a pickpocketing rate of 133.21 per 1,000 residents. Following closely behind is Camden with 31.41 per 1,000 residents and Southwark with 19.03 per 1,000 residents. Other areas with high rates include Kensington and Chelsea (18.86), Hackney (14.67), Islington (12.8), Lambeth (10.87), Newham (10.65), Tower Hamlets (9.23), and Haringey (9.04).
Shahzad Ali has urged Londoners to be extra vigilant and take precautions to avoid becoming victims of pickpocketing. He suggests using cross-body bags and keeping important belongings such as wallets, phones, and keys close to the body. If carrying a backpack, it is advisable to use a smaller cross-body bag to ensure the items are not easily accessible to thieves.
As we continue to navigate through these challenging times, it is essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to keep ourselves and our belongings safe. Let's work together to make our city a safer place for all. For more updates on London news, visit The Agency's London news hub. Stay safe, Londoners!
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