Pick-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.
The number of thefts in the area jumped from 796 in 2021 to 2,806 last year, according to new figures.
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.
The group’s CEO Ros Morgan said: “Retail crime in the West End is not just a threat to businesses but to the entire community – and luxury goods are no exception.
“There 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.”
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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.
She highlighted that the issue had worsened since the end of the pandemic, as criminals used electric bikes to steal from people.
Aiken said: “The West End is a UK economic power house and it’s imperative that we stamp down on any rise in robbery and shoplifting.
“We 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.”
In January, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed shoplifting offences across England and Wales had skyrocketed to their highest rate in 20 years.
More than 400,000 incidents were recorded by police during the year to September 2023, making it 32% above the previous year.
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