Passengers travelling through King’s Cross St. Pancras Underground Station are more likely to fall foul of pickpocket thieves than anywhere else in Britain. According to shock new figures provided by the British Transport Police, just under 14,000 pickpocketing offenses were recorded in 2024, across all stations under the their jurisdiction. And topping the unwanted chart with 506 incidents reported at Kings Cross St Pancras underground station – accounting for around one in every 25 pickpocketing incidents on the rail network.
The station, which welcomes thousands of commuters travelling into the Capital from the north, is closely followed Oxford Circus Underground Station where 476 offences took place last year. Sitting in the heart of London’s busiest shopping district, it’s always packed with commuters, shoppers, and tourists heading to explore the delights of Oxford Street.
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 deemed to be easy for pickpockets to blend into the crowd.
Luggage storage network Bounce.com, submitted an FOI request to the British Transport Police to determine the number of pickpocketing offenses across train stations in the UK.
Ceo and founder Cody Candee said: “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 10,000 locations in over 2,000 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.”