Is London Safe in January 2026?

Riders on mopeds, e-bikes, and bicycles — sometimes dressed as Deliveroo or other food delivery couriers — snatch mobile phones from pedestrians' hands at high speed. London recorded nearly 60,000 phone thefts in 2024, a 153% increase, with Westminster, Southwark, and Camden among the worst-affected boroughs. Victims lose the device instantly and recovery is rare. Some gangs use sticky gloves to grab phones cleanly even at speed.

How to avoid: Keep your phone in your pocket or bag when walking in busy areas — do not walk while looking at your screen. If you need to use your phone, stop with your back against a wall or building. Be especially alert on pavements near Borough Market, Southbank, Westminster Bridge, and Oxford Street.

Restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the Houses of Parliament, Tower of London, and Covent Garden market charge tourist premiums of 30–60% above comparable restaurants just a few minutes' walk away.

How to avoid: Walk two or three streets from any major sight for much better value. Use Google Maps to find restaurants popular with locals rather than tourists.

Professional charity collectors on Oxford Street and near major tourist sights pressure passersby into signing up for direct debits to charities. They use high-pressure psychological tactics and some are working for commissions rather than the charity itself.

How to avoid: You are never obligated to stop or engage. A firm "no thank you" while walking is all that is needed. If you wish to donate to a charity, do it directly on their website where 100% goes to the cause.

Many restaurants in tourist-heavy areas of London add a 12.5-15% optional service charge to the bill that is printed in small print or not disclosed verbally. Some add it on top of prices already shown on the menu inclusive of service. A few venues near major attractions add both a service charge and a separate cover charge for bread or table water. You are legally entitled to remove any discretionary service charge.

How to avoid: Ask before ordering whether the menu prices include service. If a service charge appears on your bill, you are within your legal rights to ask for it to be removed if you are not satisfied or if it was not disclosed. Avoid restaurants with no prices displayed outside or ones that have staff standing on the pavement recruiting customers.

Unlicensed cab drivers tout for business outside nightclubs and late-night venues, offering cheap rides. Fares are negotiated in vague terms, then inflated at the destination. Some passengers have reported worse outcomes.

How to avoid: Use only licensed black cabs or Uber, Bolt, and Addison Lee apps. Never get into an unmarked car with a driver who approached you unsolicited.