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<\/div>\nPick-pocketing and muggings across the West End have shot up more than three-fold over the last two years, with wealthy tourists being increasingly targetted by criminals.<\/p>\n
The number of thefts in the area jumped from 796 in 2021 to 2,806 last year, according to new figures.<\/p>\n
Figures from business development service, the Heart of London Business Alliance, found theft currently comprises 60% of crime in the area around Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.<\/p>\n
The group\u2019s CEO Ros Morgan said: \u201cRetail crime in the West End is not just a threat to businesses but to the entire community \u2013 and luxury goods are no exception.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was a significant spike in shoplifting and a rising number of thefts across the West End in 2023. We have long called for a greater police presence to deter criminal activities and instill a sense of security.\u201d<\/p>\n
Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free<\/strong><\/h5>\nSign up\u00a0here\u00a0to g<\/span>et the latest news straight into your inbox each morning<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nMP for the Cities of London and Westminster, Nickie Aiken, also pointed out criminals were aiming to steal from Londoners as well as wealthy tourists.<\/p>\n
She highlighted that the issue had worsened since the end of the pandemic, as criminals used electric bikes to steal from people.<\/p>\n
Aiken said: \u201cThe West End is a UK economic power house and it\u2019s imperative\u00a0that we stamp down on any rise in robbery and shoplifting.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must see more police on the street, particularly in crime hotspots to provide both reassurance and crime prevention. We do not want the West End to become a no-go zone for visitors or anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
In January, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed shoplifting offences across England and Wales had skyrocketed to their highest rate in 20 years.<\/p>\n
More than 400,000 incidents were recorded by police during the year to September 2023, making it 32% above the previous year.<\/p>\n
MP for the Cities of London and Westminster, Nickie Aiken, also pointed out criminals were aiming to steal from Londoners as well as wealthy tourists.<\/p>\n
She highlighted that the issue had worsened since the end of the pandemic, as criminals used electric bikes to steal from people.<\/p>\n
Aiken said: \u201cThe West End is a UK economic power house and it\u2019s imperative\u00a0that we stamp down on any rise in robbery and shoplifting.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must see more police on the street, particularly in crime hotspots to provide both reassurance and crime prevention. We do not want the West End to become a no-go zone for visitors or anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
In January, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed shoplifting offences across England and Wales had skyrocketed to their highest rate in 20 years.<\/p>\n
More than 400,000 incidents were recorded by police during the year to September 2023, making it 32% above the previous year.<\/p>\n