Britain's travel safety rating has been downgraded by Australian authorities, who now advise their nationals to take heightened precautions when visiting the UK.
The Australian government's Smart Traveller service has shifted Britain from its lowest risk category to Level 2, which typically indicates nations with inadequate law enforcement systems where violent offences occur frequently.
The advisory specifically highlights widespread pickpocketing and warns of criminals using two-wheeled vehicles to steal possessions from unsuspecting victims.
Australian officials recommend visitors conceal valuable items and avoid storing them in easily accessible pockets whilst navigating British streets.
Several other nations have recently strengthened their travel guidance for citizens planning UK visits.
Mexico's embassy now cautions travellers about escalating criminal activity in London, particularly in busy locations and on public transport, whilst providing sixteen detailed safety recommendations.
The United Arab Emirates has highlighted a surge in violent incidents and knife attacks in the capital, noting that Gulf state nationals have been targeted.
Their embassy urges visitors to exercise particular vigilance after dark and refrain from displaying expensive possessions publicly, offering twelve specific security measures.
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|London police officers interact with the public, teaching people how to protect their phones from theft in London
France, Canada and New Zealand have similarly revised their UK travel advisories to reflect deteriorating safety conditions.
Mobile phone robberies have reached epidemic proportions, with insurance firm SquareTrade Europe reporting that Britain now accounts for two-fifths of all handset thefts across Europe.
Their figures show claims have surged by 425 per cent since mid-2021.
Metropolitan Police data indicates a device is stolen in the capital every six minutes, totalling 80,000 thefts annually.
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|The Home Office recently reported a 44 per cent increase in street crime nationwide
Violent offences have risen by 30 per cent during Sadiq Khan's mayoralty, whilst the Home Office recently reported a 44 per cent increase in street crime nationwide, alongside unprecedented shoplifting levels and one million anti-social behaviour incidents.
Canada's travel warnings have expanded significantly over recent years, evolving from a single sentence about minor theft in 2012 to comprehensive sections covering violent assault, drink spiking and specific high-risk locations by 2025.
Canadian authorities now recommend their citizens "avoid showing signs of affluence" whilst visiting Britain.
London's hospitality sector has responded to the crisis, with hotels actively alerting guests about elevated theft risks.
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|Public order messages in Stratford City centre on 5th June 2025 in London
An Australian visitor, speaking anonymously to the Telegraph, confirmed that "everyone knows of somebody [in Australia] that's had their phone stolen in London."
He noted such warnings are now routine amongst Australian travellers planning UK trips.
Apple-made phones have been stolen more than any other brand in London, with over 88,000 reported last year.
Samsung is second with 16,268 stolen by criminals in 2024, according to the same data from the Metropolitan police.