Try to stick to the bright lights at night. Wandering down a dark alley is asking for trouble!
Don't wear jewellery openly. Take off those gold necklaces before somebody else does. Don't look too affluent in the street.
Don't put your wallet in your back pocket.
Don't take too much cash out with you.
You don't really need to take all of your credit cards and your passport out with you either. Put them in the hotel safe and just bring one credit card, maybe Visa or Amex, which you know will be accepted most everywhere. You only need a little cash for taxis, tube fares, drinks and snacks. No need to take $500.
Hang on to your valuables, especially in a crowd which is the pick-pocket's friend.
Avoid ticket touts. See our guide to buying theatre tickets on our theatre page.
Your chances of being held up in the street are minimal but if you do it's better to let them have what they want rather than end up in hospital or worse. Most people who have lived in London all their lives have never been robbed but if you need to call the police, find a phone and dial 999. This is also the number to call if you need the Fire Brigade or an ambulance.
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