Theft and pickpocketing have always been issues in London and the UK. There are many other crimes and illegal activities including burglary, violent crimes, sexual harassment, and more. But pickpocketing is one of the most common and is increasing significantly due to rising inflation and recession. Both the residents and visitors are depressed due to the increasing pickpocketing issue. Most times, the pickpocketers take their valuable assets and cards as well which is also a cause of increased worries and concerns.
We have recently published a thorough article on “The Worst Areas for Vehicle Crime in the UK“. But we all know that the country is facing criminal issues for a long time and the activities are increasing gradually. Theft is also a common one which is why we are going to share the top 20 worst areas for pickpocketing offences in London and the UK as per the reports and data shared by the UK’s police and Office of National Statistics.
How Has Guard Mark Security Sourced All This Data?
To give a complete and clear picture of pickpocketing in the UK, we’ve used the latest numbers from the Office of National Statistics. These figures cover over 300 locations across the country and help us show where pickpocketing and personal theft happen the most. By using this data, we can provide a thorough look at the areas most affected by these crimes.
The Worst Areas for Pickpocketing In London and the UK
London, a city with over 8 million residents and welcoming more than 20 million visitors annually, has some areas where pickpockets are known to operate. While the city is generally safe, it’s wise to know where you might need to be extra vigilant with your belongings.
Pickpocketing rates in London and the UK aren’t fixed and change over time, influenced by various factors like the economy and even the seasons. Recently, some parts of the city have seen a concerning rise in pickpocketing incidents. Waltham Forest experienced a shocking 71% increase in reported cases over the past year. Lewisham wasn’t far behind, with a 64% jump in pickpocketing offences. Newham and Tower Hamlets also saw significant spikes, with increases of 54% and 42% respectively.
But it’s not all bad news. Some London boroughs have actually seen improvements. Bexley, for example, reported a 15% decrease in pickpocketing incidents compared to the previous year. Sutton and Barnet also showed positive trends, with drops of 10% and 6% in reported cases.
Looking for a safer place to relocate? Explore the Safest Areas to Live & Work in the UK for more insights on where to settle for peace of mind.
List of the Top 20 Worst Areas in London and the UK
#1- Manchester
Manchester is a big, busy city with a crime rate of 8 pickpocketing cases per 1,000 population. That’s the most outside of London! Manchester right now has the highest number of active police officers but still, when talking about pickpocketing, it’s on the top. So, if you are living there or hoping to visit, just be careful.
Our full report on the most dangerous areas of Manchester breaks it all down if you’re looking to move to the city.
#2- Oxford
The overall crime rate in Oxford is 3.5 Pickpocketing Offences Per 1,000 Population. We all know that Oxford is famous for its university which is one of the main reasons most people visit this place. Pickpocketers love the places where people move like crowds. Last year, the reported number of cases was 577 in Oxford.
#3- Cambridge
Cambridge is also famous for its universities and educational institutes just like Oxford. Moreover, the area has a rich cultural history but now the overall pickpocketing crime rate here is 2.8 Pickpocketing Offences Per 1,000 Population. With over 416 incidents the previous year, the area has successfully saved a spot in the top 20 worst areas for pickpocketing in the UK.
#4- Liverpool
Liverpool is a city well-known for its rich cultural history, including its strong presence in sports, music, and technology. While it attracts many tourists and visitors, the city also faces high crime rates, especially when it comes to pickpocketing. Last year, there were 1,274 cases, giving Liverpool a pickpocketing rate of 2.6 incidents per 1,000 population.
You can read a comprehensive breakdown of all Liverpool’s residential areas in our full report.
#5- Watford
Watford is often confused with London, but it has its own identity with popular places like the Warner Brothers’ Studio Tour and Vicarage Road. These attractions bring in lots of people, which also increases the chances of pickpocketing. With 248 cases last year, Watford has a rate of 2.4 pickpocketing offences per 1,000 population.
#6- Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Newcastle is one of the most well-known cities in the North East of England, famous for its rich culture, sports teams, and modern attractions. In the past year, there were 713 reported cases of people getting their belongings stolen. This means Newcastle has 2.3 pickpocketing incidents for every 1,000 population.
#7- Reading
Reading is a key technological hub in the south of England, contributing to modern developments in the country. But aside from its tech industry, the town also struggles with pickpocketing. In the past year, there were 388 cases of pickpocketing, leading to a rate of 2.2 offences per 1,000 population.
#8- Leeds
The overall crime rate regarding pickpocketing is 1.9 Pickpocketing Offences Per 1,000 Population. Leeds is the largest city in Yorkshire, drawing in visitors for its rich history and vibrant student life. While many people know Leeds for its attractions, fewer realise that pickpocketing is a serious problem here. Last year alone, there were 1,532 cases of pickpocketing in the city, which means more than three incidents every day.
You can check out a full breakdown of Leeds’ residential areas in our complete guide.
#9- Nottingham
Nottingham is a historic city known for its connection to famous legends like Robin Hood. But today, it’s a modern city that faces its own problems, including pickpocketing. Last year, there were 598 pickpocketing incidents in Nottingham, which equals 1.8 offences per 1,000 population.
#10- Brighton & Hove
Brighton & Hove is one of England’s most popular seaside towns, known for its beaches and nightlife. However, the city also has its downside when it comes to pickpocketing. Last year, there were 499 reported cases, giving Brighton a pickpocketing rate of 1.8 offences per 1,000 population.
#11- Birmingham
Birmingham has a pickpocketing rate of 1.7 offences per 1,000 population, making it one of the UK’s cities with high personal theft rates. As the country’s second-largest city with over 2 million residents, Birmingham offers many attractions, such as the Bullring and NEC.
You can read a comprehensive breakdown of all Birmingham’s residential areas in our full report.
#12- Blackpool
Blackpool has a pickpocketing rate of 1.6 offences per 1,000 population. This famous seaside resort in Northern England, known for its beaches and family vacations, has long struggled with crime. Last year alone, there were 227 reported cases of pickpocketing, showing that even a beloved holiday destination like Blackpool is not free from theft.
#13- Luton
With a pickpocketing rate of 1.4 offences per 1,000 population, Luton, a town with a history dating back to the 6th century, is facing growing issues with personal theft. Even though Luton is home to a major national airport and has a rich industrial and cultural past, it saw 309 cases of pickpocketing last year, highlighting the rise in crime.
#14- Bradford
With a pickpocketing rate of 1.3 offences per 1,000 population, Bradford’s inclusion on this list may surprise some. Known for its rich culture and heritage, and being named the UK’s City of Culture for 2025, Bradford also faces a growing issue with pickpocketing. Last year, 731 cases were reported, making it clear why the city ranks among the UK’s worst for this type of crime.
Discover our complete report on West Yorkshire’s most dangerous living areas here.
#15- Leicester
Leicester has a pickpocketing rate of 1.3 offences per 1,000 population. While the city is often recognised for its sports teams and large student population, it’s also gaining a reputation for crime. Last year, Leicester saw 481 cases of pickpocketing, placing it among the worst areas in the UK for personal theft.
#16- Westminster
Westminster has an alarming pickpocketing rate of 133.2 offences per 1,000 population, making it the worst borough in London for this type of crime. With 28,155 reported cases last year alone, Westminster’s crime rate is more than four times higher than the next worst area.
#17- Camden
With a pickpocketing rate of 31.4 offences per 1,000 population, Camden is one of London’s most stylish and trendy areas, famous for its market and vibrant atmosphere. But crime is a big issue here, especially when it comes to personal theft. Last year, Camden saw 6,848 pickpocketing incidents, making it one of the worst-hit areas in the city.
#18- Southwark
Southwark has a pickpocketing rate of 19 offences per 1,000 population. Known for landmarks like the Shard, Shakespeare’s Globe, and various museums, Southwark is a key part of London’s cultural landscape. Last year, there were 5,935 cases of pickpocketing reported, meaning over 16 thefts occur every day in this bustling borough.
#19- Kensington & Chelsea
With a pickpocketing rate of 18.9 offences per 1,000 population, Kensington & Chelsea is one of London’s wealthiest boroughs, home to many famous and affluent residents. Despite its upscale reputation, the area struggles with personal theft. Last year alone, the police recorded 2,757 pickpocketing incidents in Kensington & Chelsea.
#20- Hackney
Hackney has a pickpocketing rate of 14.7 offences per 1,000 population. Known for its cultural diversity and rich history, Hackney is an important part of London. However, it also faces a big problem with pickpocketing. Last year, there were 3,853 reported cases of theft, which means more than 10 incidents occurred every day in this borough.
Pickpocketing on Our Railways & Public Transport
One important thing missing from this article is the issue of pickpocketing on public transport. With 1.6 billion train journeys made last year and millions more on buses, trams, and underground rail, public transport is a hotspot for pickpocketing.
The latest data gives us a clear picture of the problems on our transport systems. Last year, the British Transport Police recorded 12,335 cases of pickpocketing. To compare, the previous year had 8,527 cases, showing a rise of 44.7%. This increase shows that pickpocketing on trains, buses, and trams is becoming a bigger problem.
