Risky Rides
Train stations can be stressful enough, dealing with delays, fighting against the crowd to find the right platform, not to mention the pressure if you’re running late. The last thing you need to add to this is the worry of having your luggage, wallet, or keys stolen in a busy station while exploring the UK.
But which stations are home to the most pickpockets? Bounce submitted an FOI request to the British Transport Police to determine the number of pickpocketing offenses (i.e., theft from a person) throughout cities in Britain to find out.
There were over 500 pickpocketing offenses in King’s Cross St. Pancras Underground Station in 2024
Get $5 off with the Bounce app
Use Bounce to find nearby bag storage in 4,000+ cities worldwide.
Get the app
1. King’s Cross St. Pancras Underground Station | 506 pickpocketing offenses
King’s Cross St. Pancras Underground Station sees more pickpocketing than anywhere else in Britain, with 506 reported incidents. According to the information provided by the British Transport Police, just under 14,000 pickpocketing offenses were recorded in 2024, across all stations under the jurisdiction of the BTP. This means that around one in 25 pickpocketing incidents occurred at King’s Cross St. Pancras Underground Station.
As one of London’s busiest spots, thieves head there to exploit the constant crowds. With six Underground lines, connections to King’s Cross Railway Station and St. Pancras International, and a steady flow of commuters and tourists, pickpockets have plenty of opportunities to strike.
2. Oxford Circus Underground Station | 467 pickpocketing offenses
Oxford Circus Underground Station isn’t far behind, with just 8% fewer reported offenses than King’s Cross St. Pancras, at 467. Sitting in the heart of London’s busiest shopping district, it’s always packed with commuters, shoppers, and tourists heading to Oxford Street.
The crowded conditions, with people squeezing onto trains or rushing through ticket barriers, create an ideal environment for thieves. Other stations near major shopping and entertainment areas, like Leicester Square (287 offenses) and Bond Street (200 offenses), also make the list, showing how busy retail spots are prime targets.
3. Finsbury Park Railway Station | 433 pickpocketing offenses
Finsbury Park Railway Station takes third place with 433 reported pickpocketing incidents, proving that theft is a concern beyond central London.
This station is a major interchange for National Rail, the Underground, and several bus routes, meaning thousands of people pass through daily. With so many commuters switching between services, it’s easy for pickpockets to blend into the crowd.
4. Euston Railway Station | 424 pickpocketing offenses
Euston Railway Station ranks fourth, with 424 reported pickpocketing incidents in 2024. As one of London’s busiest train stations, it’s a major gateway for passengers traveling between the capital and cities across the UK, such as Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Cambridge.
Like King’s Cross St. Pancras and Liverpool Street (296 offenses), Euston is a key interchange, and the mix of long-distance travelers and daily commuters makes it a prime target.
5. Tottenham Court Road Underground Station | 347 pickpocketing offenses
Tottenham Court Road Underground Station isn’t just a key stop for commuters, it’s also right next to some of London’s most popular shopping and entertainment districts. With 347 reported pickpocketing offenses in 2024, it’s clear that thieves take advantage of the station’s constant flow of people heading to Oxford Street, Soho, and the West End.
The mix of shoppers and theatergoers often means people carry bags, cameras, or phones in easy-to-reach places, making them easy targets. This trend is similar to what we see at nearby Oxford Circus (467 offenses), where high footfall and distractions make it easier for thieves to operate unnoticed.
How to avoid pickpocketing and theft while in train stations
A little awareness goes a long way. Train stations are busy places where pickpocketing is common, but these simple precautions can help keep your belongings safe.
1. Keep your valuables close
Pickpockets are experts at spotting easy targets like open bags, back pockets, or people distracted by their phones. If carrying a backpack, wear it in front of you in crowded areas. Keep wallets, phones, and passports in a zipped-up pocket or a crossbody bag worn across your chest. The harder it is for someone to access your belongings, the less likely you are to be a target.
2. Stay aware in crowded spaces
Theft often happens when you’re squeezed into a packed train, queuing at ticket barriers, or rushing to catch a service. Pickpockets rely on distraction, so stay alert if you’re in a busy area. Be especially cautious if someone bumps into you or engages you in conversation, as this may be a distraction tactic.
3. Avoid flashing expensive items
Taking your phone out to check directions or pulling out a wallet full of cash in a busy station can make you an easy target. If you need to check something, do it discreetly and put your valuables away immediately after.
4. Be extra careful at ticket machines and ATMs
Thieves often lurk near ticket machines and ATMs, waiting for the right moment to snatch a wallet or watch you enter your PIN. Always cover the keypad when entering your details, and be mindful of anyone standing too close. If a machine looks suspicious or has a loose card reader, avoid using it, as some scammers attach skimming devices to steal card details.
Tips on how to protect your luggage while traveling
Cody Candee, CEO and Founder of Bounce, shares his tips on protecting your belongings in train stations:
“Train stations are some of the busiest public spaces, making them a prime target for opportunistic thieves. Extra precautions can make all the difference in keeping your personal belongings safe.
“A secure luggage storage service can help prevent theft, especially when exploring crowded areas. Using a trusted luggage storage service means you can travel around the city hands-free without worrying about keeping an eye on your bags. Bounce offers secure storage at over 15,000 locations in over 4,000 cities, making it easy to find a safe spot near major train stations worldwide.
“If you're carrying your bags, always keep them within sight. Wear backpacks on your front in crowded areas, and keep suitcases close, especially near escalators and ticket barriers. Avoid leaving bags on the floor or unattended on a seat when waiting for a train. If you do put your bag down, loop a bag strap around your arm or leg to prevent quick grabs.
“Scammers and pickpockets often work in teams, using distraction tactics to steal valuables. Be wary of anyone causing a scene, and stay alert in crowded spaces. Whether storing your bags securely or keeping them close, a little extra caution can result in a stress-free journey.”
Methodology
An FOI request was sent to the British Transport Police for data on theft from the person (including pickpocketing) offenses recorded at each rail station of all services under the jurisdiction of BTP during the 2024 calendar year (1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024).
Any data where the station location was unclear was removed.
Any data where the station name was blank was removed.
The full FOI request and response can be viewed here: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/pickpocketing_offences_recorded
All data was collected in February 2025 and is correct as of then.
Get $5 off with the Bounce app
Use Bounce to find nearby bag storage in 4,000+ cities worldwide.
Get the app