Staying Safe in London

 Public Transport

• Plan your route before you leave with Transport for London's (TfL) online Journey Planner. You can also telephone TfL's 24-hour information line on +44 (0)20 7222 1234

• Only use black cabs or registered mini-cabs. See our taxi page for details

Travel Safety Tips

• Try to avoid walking alone at night, and try to keep to well-lit main roads

• Stay alert: be aware of what’s going on around you

• Try to avoid wearing headphones, as they reduce awareness of your surroundings

In Bars and Restaurants

• Many venues have Chelsea clips under the tables. Use these to secure your handbag or briefcase

• Make sure you keep your property out of sight and safely under the table

• Never accept a drink from someone you don't know and completely trust

• Don't leave your drink unattended. Keep an eye on your friends' drinks

Keeping Your Stuff Safe

• Don't leave your bag unattended anywhere in London, as doing so can lead to a security alert

• Keep your purse or wallet close to your body and don't carry too much cash

• When using an ATM (cash machine), check that no-one is looking over your shoulder and that the ATM hasn't been tampered with

Keeping Your Mobile Telephone Safe

• Keep your telephone out of sight in your pocket or handbag when not in use

• Record details of your electronic serial number (ESN)

• Inform your service provider and police if your mobile is stolen or lost.

Useful Numbers

In the unlikely event that you need to, telephone the emergency services on 999 or 112.

To report non-urgent crime, contact your local police station. For Central London this is West End Central police station on +44 (0)20 7437 1212.

If you have any information about crime you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on +44 (0)800 555 111.

You can call National Victim Supportline on 0845 30 30 900 or email supportline@victimsupport.org.uk for free and confidential advice.

Reporting Homophobic Incidents

The police definition of homophobic/transphobic crime is any incident that the victim or any other person perceives to be homophobic. This means any incident - not necessarily a crime - that appears to be related to an individual's actual or perceived sexuality.

Report such incidents to the police either in person or by telephone. You can find the relevant local contacts on the police website.

You can also report homophobic incidents to these organisations:

• Outrage (tel: +44 (0)20 8240 0222)

• Galop

• Kairos in Soho

Consumer Protection

The London Trading Standards Authority (LoTSA) exists to protect consumers; visitors and Londoners alike. Find out more at the LoTSA website.