Crime in EnglandDespite much media hype, the crime rate in England is considered relatively low. Typical incidents include pick-pocketing, mugging and theft. Credit card fraud is also becoming more frequent. On this page, I'm trying to give you some ideas on what to look out for and how to stay safe while travelling in England. PickpocketingPick-pockets tend to operate in crowded places. This makes many of England's main tourist attractions their prime hunting grounds, as well as busy trains, buses or the Tube, i.e. the London Underground.When travelling in busy areas, make sure your valuables are safely stowed. Consider using a money belt or similar bag that you can wear under your clothes. When visiting a major tourist site make sure you're aware of your belongings. Pay special attention if a stranger tries to distract you as s/he may have an accomplice who's ransacking your bag while your head is turned. In the UK, you are not required to produce an ID card or other identification, so if you are staying in a hotel, consider leaving your passport in the hotel safe. TheftLike pickpockets, thieves target high-value items like mobile phones, watches, jewellery and money.Never leave money or valuables unattended, be in at the airport – where your bag may be removed and destroyed – at a restaurant or in a hire car. Thieves often target unattended cars at busy tourist sites and roadside restaurants, looking for laptop computers, mobile phones, PDA and GPS equipment. If you carry such items, either take them with you when you leave the car or lock them away out of sight in the boot. When you leave your hotel, make sure that all your valuables are stored in the safe and that you have locked the door to your room. Return to top of Crime in England
MuggingsMuggings tend to be opportunity crimes, taking place in isolated areas or targeting victims who are incapacitated (read: drunk) or have shown to carry valuable items, either lots of cash or an expensive mobile phone.Using common sense can go a long way to avoid being mugged or having your possessions stolen:
Return to top of Crime in England TaxisWhen going out for the evening, ask your hotel to book a taxi for you or call a reputable taxi firm that they or your tour operator have recommended.All licensed taxis should display a licences plate and number. If you know when you'll be returning home book a taxi in advance. Most good restaurants will also book taxis for you when you're ready to leave. Unlicensed taxis or private cars posing as taxis may offer low fares, but are often uninsured and may have unlicensed drivers. In London, travellers should use only licensed black cabs or recommended taxi firms. You can access 7,000 licensed black cabs using just one telephone number – 0871 871 8710. The Safe Travel at Night partnership among the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London, and the Mayor of London maintains a website with additional information at http://www.cabwise.com/ Return to top of Crime in England
Card Crime / ATM FraudCredit cards and cash cards are a convenient way to pay when out and about in England. Using a card stops you from having to carry large quantities of cash or travellers cheques.Unfortunately, card crime in England is rising. ATM fraud in particular is becoming more sophisticated, so please use common sense when withdrawing cash from an ATM. Don't use a cash machine if it appears to have been tampered with and avoid ATMs located in isolated areas. Do not allow anyone to distract you while withdrawing cash and shield the keypad from view while entering your PIN number. If Your Passport is Lost or StolenShould you lose your passport, or have it stolen during your stay in England, you should contact your embassy or consulate as soon as possible to have a replacement issued.Should You Become the Victim of a CrimeShould you be a victim of a crime, you must report this to the local police and your embassy or consulate. While the investigation of any crime falls to the local authorities, officials from your embassy or consulate will be able to help you find medical care, contact family members or arrange legal representation.Return from information about crime in England to the Travel Tips page. You can also keep up with travel tips and England information via my monthly newsletter Essentially England News.
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