New British Transport Police data has revealed that the number of pickpocket thefts on the London Underground has more than doubled since 2021, reaching a record high of 7,899 thefts in 2022.

Last year, there were over 1,200 pickpocket thefts reported on the Central line, making it London’s worst-hit tube line. The Northern line ranked second, with more than 1,100 thefts.

According to Transport for London* levels of train-related theft are higher than pre-pandemic rates. Some 50% of robberies are committed on trains, with 23% on platforms and 7% at station entrances and exits. Fridays are the most common day for offences to occur and thefts are least likely on Thursdays.

The data, collated by London criminal defence solicitors Lawtons, also revealed which London boroughs suffered the most pickpocket incidents in the past year:

Westminster- 20,871
Camden- 5,301
Southwark- 4,287
Kensington & Chelsea- 2,962
Islington- 2,820
Harrington- 3,160
Lambeth- 2,591
Haringey- 1,894
Westminster is, by far, the London borough targeted most often by pickpockets. Westminster had over 20,000 reported incidents in the past year, more than triple the number in second-placed Camden (5,300) and third-placed Southwark (4,200).

Westminster’s figures have shot up dramatically in the past two years, with levels nearly twice what they were in January 2021. At the height of the pandemic, the crime was almost non-existent in the borough, with only 100 pickpocketing incidents reported in Westminster in February 2021.

Nick Titchener, criminal defence solicitor at London law firm Lawtons Solicitors, says:

“Pickpocketing covers theft of items directly from the victim, but without the use of physical force and so easily accessible items like mobile phones and wallets tend to be the most targeted. It’s important to ensure you’re not a target for opportunistic thieves when swept up in the crowds. As summer approaches, London will see an influx of tourists, making it easier for pickpockets to target people. Keep an eye on your bags and any other valuables and be vigilant around other passengers.”

“It’s important that victims and witnesses contact the police as soon as the robbery occurs – the first hour after the incident takes place can be critical to catching the suspect. Reporting the incident and cancelling your cards can help your cause in these circumstances”

To avoid being a victim of pickpocket theft, Metropolitan Police advise you to:

Keep purses and bags closed and secure at all times
Carry bags in front of you or diagonally across your chest
Return cards to your purse or wallet quickly and zip it up or button it before concealing it
Use a purse that’s difficult to open. One that zips or snaps shut is best
Use a money belt if you’re carrying a significant quantity of cash
Keep a list, separate from your wallet and phone, of contact numbers, in case your phone is stolen
Keep a photocopy of your airline tickets, passport, credit cards and any other documents that would be impossible or inconvenient to replace if stolen