Robbery and theft

Robbery and theft


Have you been affected by, or do you want to know more about, robbery and theft?

Robbery is when someone uses violence or threatens to use violence to steal items from you. Robbery that happens in a public place, such as on the street or in a park, is known as mugging.

Theft is when someone takes something from you without violence or threat of violence and often without your knowledge. You might notice something is missing hours later. Pickpocketing is a form of theft when someone steals something out of your pocket or bag.


How you might be feeling

Getting robbed or pickpocketed can be distressing. You might be going through a range of emotions, including feeling angry or frightened. This is normal, and help is available.

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Get the help you need

If you’d like more information or support, contact us now.

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How to reduce your risk of robbery and theft

Thieves may use force or threatening behaviour. It’s better to hand over items than to risk your own safety. If you’re in immediate danger, or if you see a robbery taking place, call 999 for an emergency response.

Here are some ways to reduce your risk of robbery and theft:

  • be aware of your surroundings
  • stay alert when walking along the pavement, many thieves use bikes, mopeds or e-scooters to snatch phones or valuables and get away quickly
  • keep your phone and valuables hidden
  • don’t use earbuds or headphones, these can distract you from your surroundings
  • plan your route and use public transport that others are using
  • keep to busy, well-lit streets, walkways and paths that are more likely to be covered by CCTV and avoid taking shortcuts in isolated places
  • only take licensed taxis or minicabs booked by phone or a mobile phone app
  • when using your phone, for example when taking a call or following map directions, hold it tightly and keep it close to your body to avoid it being snatched

How to spot a pickpocket

Pickpockets blend into the crowd to avoid getting caught. They’re skilled at what they do, know various tricks and are extremely light-fingered. Most of their thefts only take a couple of seconds.

Here are five ways to help you spot a potential pickpocket or group of pickpockets:

  1. Be wary of a person loitering in a public place who appears to be closely observing passers-by and paying particular attention to their handbags, shopping bags and where they might place their wallet or purse.

  2. Opportunist pickpockets often operate in shops and department stores, where people are more likely to be standing still, distracted and paying less attention to their belongings. Be aware of your surroundings wherever you are.

  3. Pickpockets work in teams. One distracts you, for example by talking to you, shouting or playing a game, while another takes your items and blends back into the crowd. Another member might step in as an enforcer in the event of an altercation. Try to stay alert at all times.

  4. Tactics vary based on the location and the density of the crowd. One tactic is known as ‘crowding in’ where a group of pickpockets push up against you in a crowded shop or street and quickly reach into your pocket to steal your wallet, phone or purse.

  5. ‘Hugger mugging’ is another tactic where someone will appear to be over-friendly for no particular reason and hug you while pickpocketing you.

15 ways to protect yourself from robbery and theft

  1. Keep purses and bags closed and secure at all times

  2. Zip up your bag and pockets

  3. Carry bags in front of you or diagonally across your chest

  4. Cover jewellery or watches when walking down the street

  5. Return debit or credit cards to your purse or wallet quickly

  6. Use a purse that’s difficult to open, purses that zip up or snap shut are best, and keep it closed

  7. Use a money belt if you’re carrying a significant quantity of cash

  8. Conceal your wallet in a buttoned or zipped pocket where it doesn’t bulge

  9. Keep a list, separate from your wallet and phone, of important contact numbers in case your phone is stolen

  10. Keep a photocopy of your airline tickets, passport, credit cards and any other documents that would be impossible or inconvenient to replace if stolen

  11. Don’t hang coats, clothes, handbags or shopping bags on the back of a chair

  12. Don’t leave anything valuable on the back of a pushchair or in the basket

  13. Don’t place your belongings on the floor where you can’t see them

  14. Don’t leave a mobile, any other device, wallet or purse on the table of an outdoor café, pub or restaurant

  15. Don’t leave belongings unattended in a public place, such as at a park or on the beach
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