Staying Safe in England
Local Laws
When visiting, please keep in mind that drinking alcohol in public places is generally not allowed, and most public areas are smoke-free. Specifically, it's against the law to drink alcohol on London's public transport.
Remember that everyone in a moving car needs to wear a seatbelt, and traffic in the UK travels on the left side of the road. The legal age for drinking alcohol is 18.
It's also important to know that using a mobile phone while driving is forbidden. Be aware that the penalties for drug offenses are quite serious.
Additionally, you can't use your car horn in built-up areas between 11:30 PM and 7:00 AM, unless it's an emergency. Lastly, respecting queues, not littering, and being mindful of personal space are all appreciated customs.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
England is widely recognized as a safe and welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Laws such as the Equality Act 2010 prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2014.
While general social acceptance for lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals is high, recent reports indicate a more complex view towards transgender people, with some decline in public acceptance and an increase in negative views compared to previous years. Despite this, the country remains a favorable destination, though it is always wise for travelers to remain aware of their surroundings, as isolated instances of prejudice can occur anywhere.
Scams
You'll want to watch out for a few common tricks. Some thieves create a crowd, a "bottleneck," to make it easier to pick pockets. Then there are the "snatchers" on mopeds who grab phones or other valuables from people who aren't paying attention. Bag cutting is another concern.
You might also run into people posing as police officers who ask to see your passport and wallet, only to make off with your cash. Be wary of anyone offering you a "gift," like a flower, and then demanding payment. They might also use distraction tactics, where one person distracts you while another takes your belongings.
Lastly, keep an eye out for fake charity collectors, people selling counterfeit tickets for attractions, and taxis that are either overpriced or not properly licensed.
Crime
You should be aware that petty theft, like pickpocketing and snatching bags, is quite common, particularly in busy tourist spots such as Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and Leicester Square. It also happens frequently on public transport, including the London Underground. You'll also find that mobile phones are often targeted, especially in London, with thieves on mopeds or bikes being a common method.
When it comes to vehicles, both theft of cars and items from parked cars can happen in tourist areas and at roadside stops. Keep an eye out for your belongings in restaurants, pubs, and bars too, as theft is prevalent there as well.
While less common, it's important to know that violent crimes like mugging, knife crime, and sexual assault do occur, mainly in larger cities. There have also been reports of sexual assault and robbery taking place in unlicensed taxis.
