Shopping
There is some great shopping in London, but the busy streets and markets can be a magnet for thieves and pickpockets. Keep in mind the tips below to keep you and your belongings safe.
Preventing an incident
- Try to use credit or debit cards rather than carrying a lot of cash.
- If you pay by debit or credit card, take the receipt with you as they sometimes have card details on them.
- Keep your chequebook and cards separate.
- Make sure you shield your pin number when going to a cash point.
- Make sure you keep your bag closed.
- Hold tight to your mobile phone – you don’t want someone snatching it.
- If you are in a wheelchair, keep you possessions next to you, rather than at the back.
- If you are with children in a big store, make sure they understand what to do if they get lost (for example: stay in the shop and ask the nearest counter assistant for help).
If an incident does happen
- Don’t fight back. Your safety is more important than belongings.
- When you are in a safe place, contact the police to report the incident.
- See our advice on reporting a crime.
More information
There is lots of free advice out there on preventing yourself from becoming a victim of crime. Take a look at some of the resources below.