London experiences highest theft rates in England and Wales

A new interactive map reveals that nearly all of England and Wales's top theft hotspots are in London, with Oxford Street identified as the worst area. It recorded over 7,220 thefts in 2024, equating to 3,167 thefts per 1,000 residents. Other high-theft areas include parts of Oxford Street and Leicester Square, with significant theft rates also reported in Stratford and Camden. The total number of thefts in London reached a record high of over 450,000 last year, with mobile phone thefts tripling in four years. Outside London, Birmingham's New Street Station and Sheffield's City Hall area are notable theft hotspots. New police powers may soon allow officers to enter properties without a warrant if tracking apps indicate stolen items are present.