Is London Safe?
London is one of the world’s most exciting, vibrant and lively metropolises in the world. It’s also, statistically, within the top 20 safest cities, outranking the likes of New York, Madrid, Los Angeles, Rome and Paris, among others.
London is incredibly safe whether you are planning a short-term visit, or plan to live and study or work here for a long time. According to the European City Crime Index Survey by Numbeo, London has a lower crime rate than many other well-known cities in Europe.
However, just like in any other big city with a dense population, taking precautions is always highly recommended before you set foot there. It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning to visit London as a tourist or move to London for a longer time, it’s important to exercise some sensible caution.
While you’ll no doubt marvel at the marvellous architecture, landmark attractions and cultural diversity across the city, you will also likely be faced with large and bustling crowds and an incredibly fast-paced way of life, among other risks. This guide looks at how you can be as safe as possible when travelling around this city.
How to Stay Safe When Visiting London
First and foremost, take note of the following emergency contact information:
- Contact the police, fire department, or an ambulance on 999 or 112 free of charge, but only do so in a serious emergency.
- To report non-urgent crime, contact your local police station on 101.
Take note of the following advice to enjoy your stay in London as safely as possible.
Keep Your Belongings Safe
Your mobile phone, passport and any credit or debit cards should always be kept in a secure location. Never leave any valuables or belongings unattended, particularly in crowded areas. Pickpockets and thieves will seize an opportunity to grab valuable items like phones out of someone’s hand or pocket.
When out and about, put your phone in a secure bag when not using it. Also, try and limit the amount of cash you carry, and try to use card payments where possible. You will likely not need to use your passport outside of an airport, so ensure that this is securely locked away in your accommodation so you don’t risk losing it or having it stolen.
Make a Travel Plan
London is a big city and it can be easy to get lost if you don’t know where you are going. To prevent this from happening, make a loose and flexible travel plan, so you can enjoy everything you plan to experience.
London has plenty of safe means of getting around, including bicycles, buses and the popular Underground and Overground trains. It’s also relatively easy to find a taxi driver nearby by chance (but make sure to only use registered taxis). However, planning a daily travel route before you set off will help you feel safer and more in control when navigating the busy streets.
If you are walking or cycling, you must pay close attention when navigating around roads. London’s roads can be very busy even outside of peak times and rush hour, and traffic accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, so it’s crucial to be cautious.
Be Wary of Common Scams
London is a top tourist destination and, regrettably, that means that some scammers will target innocent-minded visitors, particularly as they are often unfamiliar with the area and culture.
The most common scams include:
- Selling fake tickets to shows, concerts and sporting events outside the venue
- Passing off fake luxury goods as legitimate, vintage designer items
- Someone offering to take a picture and using the opportunity to make a break for it
- Illegitimate charity collections with fraudsters acting as collectors without any registered permits
- Hidden and covert cameras on ATMs, which can record credit card numbers and PINs
While these scams are unlikely to befall you if you’re careful, it will help to remember that they can happen. If you spot anything that doesn’t feel right, best to avoid it entirely.
Stay in Regular Contact With Friends and Family
It’s always wise to keep your loved ones regularly updated with your whereabouts. It can be reassuring for them if they are not nearby, but also helpful in the event of an emergency. If you tell a friend or family member of your expected arrival time, they will be able to take action if something is amiss.
Be Extra Cautious at Night Time
London is known for its vibrant and exciting nightlife, featuring an amazing bouquet of exotic high-end restaurants (boasting many cuisines), quaint and rustic pubs, and buzzing nightclubs.
Dining in London is an experience in and of itself, however, some common tips will help you enjoy a safe and enjoyable evening. Never leave your drink or belongings unattended, and always ensure you are close to your friends. Also, never accept drinks from strangers, as you don’t know whether they have spiked them.
It’s also worth knowing that some districts in London can feel quite intimidating at night time. Therefore, never walk alone at night, particularly in dark or dimly-lit areas. Instead, walk (ideally with others) on busier or more illuminated streets to lessen the risk of being approached.
Practice Situational Awareness
As long as you remain constantly aware of what’s going on around you at any given time, and use common sense to avoid dangers or threats. Your gut instincts can usually be trusted in situations where you feel uneasy – if it doesn’t feel right, try another route or solution.
It’s important to be vigilant but also to keep everything in perspective. London is very safe, especially when you consider the people that live, work, and study in the city, as well as its heritage and notoriety. Security is understandably very high throughout the day. We hope these tips have helped you understand the safest way to experience the beautiful and exciting city of London, and we hope your experience treats you well.