Avoid These Dangerous Destinations When Visiting London
By CHLOE JAMES
Among Londoners, Camden has a less-than-savory reputation. The borough's theft, violent crime, and vehicle offense rates are higher than most other areas in the city.
Camden
Camden can feel particularly dangerous for women, so local female councilors have promoted the "Ask for Angela" scheme, where women can ask to speak to Angela to get discrete help.
This street was once the pinnacle of high street shopping, but since the COVID-19 pandemic, it's become increasingly more abandoned and dangerous.
Oxford Street
Pickpocketing rates are high on Oxford Street, as are vehicular accidents and lootings. Other areas, like Carnaby and Regent Street, provide a much better shopping experience.
Brent has become much safer since the noughties, but statistically, it's still one of the most dangerous boroughs. In 2022, its crime rate was 90 crimes per 1,000 people.
Brent
The one area of Brent you'd most likely visit is Wembley, home to the world-famous Wembley Stadium. When here, keep your belongings close to your person to deter pickpockets.
Although gang activity has been on the decline in the past decade, there's still a concerningly high number of drive-by shootings and stabbings in Brixton.
Brixton
In 2021, a resident told My London that in Brixton, "it's literally a big thing to make eye contact with someone, an argument could start from a small thing like that."
In October 2023, Woolwich Arsenal experienced 77 violent offenses. Knife crime is a particularly big concern, and approximately one person is killed every eight weeks.
Woolwich
You're unlikely to spend much time in Woolwich as a tourist or get caught up in gang activity, but if you do visit, keep to well-lit areas.