London is one of the safest cities (but could do better)
Of course, nowhere is 100% safe, especially cities. But in the grand scheme of things, London is actually one of the safest cities on earth. So it’s perplexing why some parts of the media keep saying that it’s not.
When you look at official figures, there has been a gradual reduction of murders, and now they are the lowest level recorded for over 10 years. In fact, its murder rate is lower than any other city in England, by comparison. It’s way safer than New York, which also has seen murder rates reduced.
No-one is saying that crime doesn’t happen in London. But to ramp it up as if it is now more dangerous than it was, is untrue.
Critics do point out (with some justification) that you can’t just include homicide. Other crimes happen. For instance, former TV presenter Selina Scott was mugged and had to walk miles to find help, as she could not find a police officer, and had no phone to call them.
How to stay safer in London
The London Metropolitan Police has a few words of advice:
- Choose hotels with care, if visiting. And follow advice below.
- Keep your personal belongings close by and beware of pickpockets and wear a money belt, especially if near an ATM machine (you could consider taking money out whilst inside an actual bank).
- Don’t buy tickets from ‘touts’ on the street.
- Don’t go near notorious areas.
