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Influencer Victoria Way shared safety tips from locals that can help tourists steer clear of pickpockets and scams during their London trip.
Staying vigilant and avoiding crowds can help tourists steer clear from pickpockets and scams.
London is home to all ten of the UK’s pickpocketing hotspots, new research has revealed. The study, conducted by licensing company Get Licensed using data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), highlights the risks faced by visitors and residents in the bustling capital. While London is celebrated for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and cultural vibrancy, its popularity also makes it a prime target for pickpockets. Busy areas such as public transport hubs, tourist attractions, and crowded streets provide ample opportunities for thieves to strike.
To help visitors navigate London safely, a travel safety expert on TikTok has shared valuable advice. Popular TikToker Victoria’s Way uploaded a video on her Instagram handle with her best safety advice for London, taken directly from the people who live there. She captioned the video with: “London is one of my favourite cities, but even here, you need to stay alert. I’m sharing some tips that the locals taught me to stay safe and enjoy the city.”
What Kind Of Risks Can Be There With Tourists?
Tourists are always the easy targets since they frequently carry valuable stuff. In order to defraud you of your money, scammers may employ deceptive sales tactics, false narratives, or distraction strategies. There can be scams like Bottleneck Scams, Cutting Your Bags, Distraction Scams, Card Skimming Scams, Taxi Scams, and many more. The first step in avoiding these hazards is being aware of them.
London Safety Tips From The Locals
- 1. Store your valuables and bag beneath your jacket in front of you.
- 2. Avoid crowds: Pickpockets frequently target crowded places like marketplaces, subways, and well-known tourist destinations.
- 3. Never play games like “find the ball” since they are scams and you will always lose.
- 4. Be cautious while crossing. Because traffic travels on the left, always glance right first.
- 5. Refrain from using the red phone booths. They are filthy and frequently utilized by con artists.
- 6. To prevent sitting on unclean surfaces, place newspapers on bus seats for hygienic reasons.
- 7. While waiting, place newspapers on benches or bus seats to avoid coming into contact with unclean surfaces.
- 8. Bring your own charger and avoid using charging stations on public transportation.
- 9. Watch out for approaching motorcyclists and cyclists, as they may steal your possessions as they pass.
With countless chances for exploration and adventure, London is a vibrant and alluring city. You may prevent dangers and concentrate on taking advantage of everything the city has to offer by heeding the TikToker’s helpful safety advice. To make sure your trip is unforgettable for all the right reasons, a little planning and attention to detail goes along well. So protect your belongings, remain watchful, and prepare to create lifelong experiences in one of the most famous cities in the world.
