Beware of pickpockets and thieves

Stay safe this festive season

The busy Christmas period is when theft and pickpocketing increases. Shopping in busy shopping centers with more bangs and other random noises than you can count can be a little distracting, which is the prime time for sly thieves to pounce.

Usually involving no physical violence, there are two types of theft most commonly associated with targeting an individual:

Snatch theft - for instance, taking a bag from someone's shoulder.
Pickpocketing - where no force is used and the victim is unaware of the incident.

Stealth theft makes up around 70-80% of theft incidents.

Tips to reduce the risk of theft

Keep bags fastened and out of view.
Only take out what is necessary when going out at night.
Avoid listening to music on headphones whilst walking home at night alone. Keep to well-lit, busy areas.
Make sure no one is loitering too close when using a cash machine.
Avoid distractions when removing your card and cash from the machine.
After withdrawing cash, walk away and don’t count your money until it’s safe to do so.

Look after your belongings

Mark belongings using a UV pen or other marking system.
Never leave your bag, mobile, tablet or laptop unattended in public view, even if you are going to the toilet.
Do not keep all your valuables in one place. Instead place items such as wallets and mobile phones in inside pockets.

Who to contact

Your can contact your local police on 101, or in an emergency call 999.

You can report crime 100% anonymously to us on 0800 555 111 or via our online form.

In the case of fraud, you can also contact Action Fraud.