Crime Prevention Advice

Staying safe in London - crime prevention advice

Officers from the Met Police work hard 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help protect you. However, we also want you to know the ways to help keep yourself safe.

Stay safe from street robbery

Look up and look out. You should always be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables and mobile phone hidden. Try to avoid wearing headphones as this reduces awareness of your surroundings. If you wear a valuable wristwatch, try to keep it hidden by your sleeve. It is not a good idea to carry large amounts of cash on your person. Instead, look at other options for storing it safely.

Be alert near roads

Criminals use mopeds, e-bikes and e-scooters to snatch phones and other valuables. They may ride along the pavement or target you at road crossings. When walking, face towards oncoming traffic. This will help you spot someone leaving the roadway and approaching you.

Beware of pickpockets

Keep your wallet and valuables close to you at all times. Pickpockets may try to distract you or physically bump into you, especially in crowded places. If you realize you have been pick-pocketed, shout out to warn others.

Shop safely

You’re not the only person looking for a bargain, thieves are too. Be aware of who’s around you in busy shops as they are ideal places for people to brush past people, take items and then blend into the crowd. Keep designer and expensive purchases discreet. An expensive branded bag could be advertising something worth taking. Whilst browsing in shops keep phone and valuables in a zipped bag or front pocket and return cards to your wallet straight away.

When using a cash point, check that no one is looking over your shoulder and that the ATM hasn’t been tampered with. Cover the keypad so no one else can see your PIN number.

When taking a well-earned break from shopping, avoid placing handbags on the back of chairs or leaving them on tables. Use bag hooks, if provided, and either keep your shopping in sight, or tucked away in front of you under the table.

Beware of bogus police officers

Protect yourself from thieves who impersonate police officers. If you get stopped by someone in plain clothes who claims to be a police officer, remember a real police officer will:

The officer details can be verified if you call police on 101. Please call 101 if you have any other concerns about the search.

Enjoy safe nights out

Don’t leave drinks unattended or accept them from strangers. Be aware of strangers being over friendly in bars, clubs and large gatherings. They may be trying to use a ‘hugger mugger’ approach to steal from you. It’s better to stick to well-lit and busy streets if possible. Check up on your friends by phone or text to make sure they got home safely and vice versa.

Travel safely

Only taxis, or 'black cabs', can be stopped in the street. These look like purpose-built taxis with an illuminated sign on the roof.

Minicabs must be pre booked by phone, email or in person at the minicab office. The driver should have ID and the vehicle should have a license displayed on it. Minicabs that pick-up fares on the street, without being pre booked, are illegal and uninsured and could put you at risk of sexual assault or robbery.

Plan your journey home

It’s a good idea to plan how you will get home by checking the time of your last train, bus or tube back to your accommodation.

Visit Transport for London (TFL) plan a journey.

Stay safe!

Gospel Oak Safer Neighborhoods Team

Met Police Crime Prevention Handbook

https://www.opendoorhomes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/met-police-crime-prevention.pdf