Pickpocketing in United Kingdom

A thief takes valuables while your attention is elsewhere. Street games, pushy performers and flower sellers can create distractions. Someone may also watch where you keep cash after you pay.

People crowd close while your attention is on a performance or game. A stranger distracts you while another person stands nearby. Someone watches where you put your money.

Keep valuables in closed pockets or a zipped bag held in front. Avoid displaying your cash. Do not leave your bag open while watching street activity. Move away from people who crowd or distract you.

Move somewhere safe, check what is missing and freeze stolen cards. Report the theft to police.

Major retail areas and crowds around street games or performers. It has been reported in London.

Occasional. The United Kingdom is generally safe to visit, but tourists can face theft, street cons and misleading prices. London has several scams aimed at visitors, including rigged street games, ticket-machine theft and costly currency exchange. Watch your phone, refuse pushy offers and check prices before paying.

Yes: phone snatching, knifepoint robbery and bicycle theft, car theft.

Emergency services: call 999 or 112 for an immediate serious threat to life or safety. Ask for the service you need and give your exact location, including the town or city. Local police: call 101 to report a crime or concern that does not need an emergency response. In London, the Metropolitan Police covers most of the city; the City of London Police covers the City of London. British Transport Police: speak to an officer or station staff about railway incidents. For the tissue-selling scam on trains, text 61016 when above ground. ATM premises or bank: tell staff if a machine has suspicious attachments or appears altered. Also report it to police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Do not try to remove a device. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a verified contact number to freeze cards and report suspicious, unauthorised or forced payments. Mobile provider: use the provider's official contact channel to report a stolen phone and block the SIM. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need document assistance. Travel insurer or rental company: report the loss through their official claims or support channel. Keep the police reference, receipts and supporting records.

Emergency police, ambulance, fire and rescue: 999, Alternative emergency number: 112, Non-emergency police: 101.