Safety

London is a safe city — violent crime against tourists is very rare. The main risks:

Pickpockets

The biggest risk — especially on the Tube (Piccadilly Line, Central Line during rush hour), at markets (Camden, Borough, Portobello), at Oxford Circus, Leicester Square, and tourist hotspots. Standard precautions: carry valuables in front, keep your backpack in sight, keep your handbag closed.

Scams

Fake Charity Collector: People in vests supposedly collecting for charities — often not legitimate. Shell Game: At Westminster Bridge and South Bank — you never win. Fake Ticket Touts: At Leicester Square — buy tickets only at TKTS or official theater box offices.

Traffic

London's left-hand traffic is dangerous for continental Europeans: You automatically look in the wrong direction before crossing the street. At many pedestrian crossings, "LOOK RIGHT" or "LOOK LEFT" is written on the ground — follow them! Especially at intersections where buses come from unexpected directions.

Emergency number: 999 (or 112, also works). Non-emergency: 101 (police).