Safety & Security

In the United Kingdom crime isn’t as prevalent as it can be in many other countries. Few police carry guns, though you may well see armed police at airports, main railway and underground stations. Thanks to the overabundance of CCTV cameras around the city, the police maintain an almost “Big Brother” presence on the streets.

Crime

The crime situation in the UK is similar to most of the Western world, with typical incidents including pick-pocketing; mugging; “snatch and grab” thefts of mobile phones, watches, and jewellery; and theft of unattended bags, especially at airports and from cars parked at restaurants, hotels, and resorts.

Pickpockets target tourists, especially at historic sites, restaurants, on buses, trains and the London Underground.

Thieves often target unattended cars parked at tourist sites and roadside restaurants, looking for laptop computers and hand-held electronic equipment, especially global positioning satellite equipment.

Walking in isolated areas, including public parks, especially after dark, should also be avoided, as these provide advantageous venues for muggers and thieves. At night or when there is little foot traffic, travellers should be especially careful using the underground pedestrian tunnels. As a general rule, either walk the extra distance to use a surface crossing or wait until there are other adult pedestrians entering the tunnel.

Common sense personal security measures should be followed in the UK. ATM fraud in the UK is becoming more sophisticated, incorporating technologies to surreptitiously record customer ATM card and PIN information. You should avoid using ATMs that look in any way “temporary” in structure or location, or that are located in isolated areas.