London, Britain – The British capital, London, is facing a growing security challenge. It has recorded a significant increase in theft and pickpocketing. This is particularly the theft of phones and bags in crowded areas, tourist spots, and the subway.
The city receives more than 9 million residents and 19 million visitors annually. This influx makes it a fertile ground for these opportunistic crimes.
While serious crime has declined, the widespread prevalence of pickpocketing and phone theft has fueled accusations from global figures. Most notably, former US President Donald Trump has made accusations. London Mayor Sadiq Khan criticized the situation, stating, “Crime in London is at an alarming rate.”
Shocking figures for theft and pickpocketing
According to 2025 data, theft rates in London far exceeded the national average. Despite security efforts, London recorded over 121,000 incidents, a rate of 8.24 incidents per 1,000 people. This rate is significantly higher than the UK average of 1.89 per 1,000 people.
Pickpocketing incidents also reached about 79,000, with 20,000 cases concentrated in the subway alone.
Meanwhile, shoplifting cases reached 25,000, marking a 54% year-on-year increase.
Phone thefts have also increased sharply, rising from 55,820 in 2020 to 117,211 last year. These thefts are often carried out using electric bikes and motorcycles for a quick getaway.
However, police recorded a decrease in thefts of bags and jewelry, with the exception of luxury watches.
Violent crime is decreasing, but public perception is increasing.
Despite these increases in robbery, data indicates that violent crime in London has decreased. The city recorded 26.4 violent crimes per 1,000 inhabitants, compared to 31.9 in the rest of England and Wales.
Knife crime also saw an increase in recent years. However, it registered a 19% decrease in the three months to June 2025.
High-profile crimes and obscenely wealthy individuals
A series of high-profile thefts have contributed to this perception. One example is the theft of former Formula 1 driver Jenson Button and his wife’s £250,000 suitcase.
And the theft of designer jewelry worth more than £10 million from the Primrose Hill mansion of socialite Shafira Huang.
Real estate agents also pointed out that these crimes are blamed – along with high taxes – for the exodus of the super-rich from the United Kingdom.
But despite the reduced risk of actual violence, the public perception of London as a “lawless” city remains widespread. A YouGov poll showed that 51% of adults believe violent crime is on the rise in the capital.
However, the sense of danger is growing: a YouGov poll showed that 51% of adults believe violent crime is on the rise in the capital.
Some observers attribute this heightened sense of anxiety to the “broken windows theory.” This theory suggests that visible signs of petty crime and antisocial behavior (such as theft and pickpocketing) encourage further crime. Thus, it impacts the overall feeling of safety.
