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During your time at Brunel, you may wish to venture into central London to explore the city and go shopping. London is a vibrant and bustling city, but like all large cities, it has its risks. Pickpocketing, phone snatching, and opportunistic thefts can occur, especially in busy areas or at night.
Tips for Staying Safe on the Streets
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
One of the most important ways to stay safe on the streets is to remain aware of what's happening around you. Avoid distractions like looking at your phone while walking, especially in busy areas or near roads. Keep your head up and stay alert to your surroundings.
Beware of Pickpockets
Picket pockets are prevalent in Central London. Always keep your wallet and valuables close to – avoid placing value items in back pockets or side pockets without zips and always zip up your bag. Pickpockets may try to distract you or physically bump into you. If you realise you have been pickpocketed, shout out to warn others.
Be Alert Near Roads
In central London, criminals have been using mopeds, bikes and E-scooters to snatch phones and other valuables. They may ride along the pavement or target you at road crossings. When walking, face towards oncoming traffic. This will help you spot someone leaving the roadway and approaching you. Avoid listening to music while walking, as this can make you less aware of your surroundings. If you're wearing headphones, keep the volume low so you can still hear what's going on around you.
Beware of FAKE Police Officers
Unfortunately, some criminals impersonate police officers as a guise to steal from you. If you get stopped by someone in plain clothes who claims to be a police officer, remember a real police officer will always tell you why you have been stopped, produce an official warrant card with their photograph, name and identity number and will never ask you for PIN numbers or cash. The officer details can be verified if you call police on 101. Please call 101 if you have any other concerns about the search.
Keep Valuables Hidden
Don't advertise your valuables. Keep your phone, wallet, and other personal items in a secure place, such as a zipped pocket or a bag worn across your body. If you're carrying a bag, wear it close to your body with the opening facing inward. Avoid leaving bags on the ground or hanging them on the backs of chairs when sitting in public places.
Plan Your Route
Before heading out, plan your route to avoid unfamiliar or unsafe areas. When walking at night or in stick to familiar well-lit, populated streets. Avoid taking shortcuts through alleys, parks, or quiet side streets – especially after dark. Use apps like Citymapper or Google Maps to find the safest, most direct paths to your destination. Share your location with friends or family, especially when travelling late or alone. Please report any areas where you feel unsafe due to street lighting, abandoned buildings to Street Safe - https://www.police.uk/streetsafe
Shop Safely
Whilst browsing in shops keep phone and valuables in a zipped bag or front pocket and return cards to your wallet straight away. When using a cashpoint or chip and pin machine, please cover your pin, check that no one is looking over your shoulder and that the ATM hasn’t been tampered with. Always keep your shopping in sight, or tucked away in front of you under the table.
Support
If you have been a victim of a crime, please call 999 (in an emergency) or 111 (non-emergency).
You can report any crime anonymously through CrimeStoppers by either calling 0800 555 111 or using the anonymous online form here – [ https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously
If you would support to deal with being a victim of crime, please visit Victim Support for free and confidential advice. Call 08 08 16 89 111 or visit the website here – [ https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/ ]
References
https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/campaigns/2020/look-up-look-out/
https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/campaigns/2022/staying-safe-in-london/