pick pockets, theft, crime in london in general

hey i don't know if you guys have been pick pocketed!?

it's the worst feeling. cuz first you're not sure if you lost it or someone stole it. then you feel it's your fault some how. i was pick pocketed at westfield!!! it's crazy cuz they had tons of cameras but they couldn't do shit.

oh and i had a friend 2 days ago who was a pub had her bag under her chair and someone stole that too. she had insurance but needs to pay 200 to make a claim...

so i want your opinion on how to prevent shit like pickpocket, theft, and muggings. cuz they seem to be huge or just tell me your experience.

i've never been mugged but i've heard stories. and im kinda paranoid and even blogged about it (http://tinyurl.com/londonsafety)

so yeah so tips on prevention or where to avoid would also be appreciated

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http://www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention/ - That's some crime precention stuff on the Metropolitan Police website.

I've had my bag nabbed from under the table, but partly it's my fault for not keeping an eye on it, really. Some tables hae clips on them so you can attach your bag. I usually put my foot through the strap. It's best not to get a table in the middle of the floor. Against a wall is probably best.

It sounds simple but the best way is to be alert, aware of your surroundsing and aware of your property. When you put your wallet away, is it in a zipped pocket? is anyone watching you? Do you hide your pin when you tap it into a machine? A lot of pickpockets and theives aren't working alone. Distraction theft is the most common. Pickpocketing tends to happen with someone bumping into you. Bag dipping happens if you're walking around with your handbag open for the world to see.

Unfirtunately, being able to successfully pickpocket or steal means you have to be particularly sneaky to not get caught. Theives play dirty and are opportunists. They will grab your wallet, secretly pass it to someone else, and they will scarper, empty it and get rid of it as soon as possible.

And with Westfield, I'm not surprised at all. Have you seen Shepherd's Bush? Such a scuzzy area. It's like glitter on a turd. Lol.

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Best advice I have is don't be an easy target - keep your valuables out of sight in zipped/buttons bags or pockets. When I'm in a crowd I usually put my hands in my pockets and hold on to my wallet/phone/keys. It's not always practical, but it's worth doing when possible if your pockets are not otherwise secure.

I got half-mugged in Battersea once: it was about 1.30am and I was completely pi$$ed. 2 blokes cornered me, but for some reason I thought they were those charity clipboard people that try to stop you in the street (like I said, completely pi$$ed) and I just kept walking and saying "Sorry fellas, I already signed up." I think they got really confused and just let me go.

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