Major West Midlands railway station is UK's worst for pickpocketing outside London - how to keep your belongings safe

For a recent study by luggage storage company bounce.com, a Freedom Of Information request sent to the British Transport Police revealed the number of pickpocketing offences that took place in railway stations across the country between January and December last year.

Birmingham New Street was found to be the railway station with the most pickpocketing offences outside London, recording 62 - over 50 per cent more pickpocketing incidents than Leeds, the second-worst.

The third-worst is Manchester Piccadilly with 30 recorded pickpocketing offences last year. It is one of the busiest railway stations in the country with 14 platforms, and an easy connection from Wolverhampton for a city trip. 

Those travelling to London should be wary of King’s Cross St. Pancras tube station. Although King's Cross is one of the cheapest stations to get to from Birmingham, it recorded 506 pickpocketing offences last year alone. 

Cody Candee, founder of Bounce.com, warns travellers to be especially wary of distraction techniques when travelling.

He 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.

“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.”

A British Transport Police spokesperson said: "We understand how upsetting, inconvenient, and potentially costly incidents of theft can be and encourage anyone who experiences this to report it to us. It is important not to sensationalise this data and to view it within its context.

"Birmingham New Street recorded 62 incidents of theft from a person in 2024, with the station seeing over 33 million passengers travelling through the station each year, resulting in less than 0.01 per cent of passenger journeys resulting in a report of theft.

"We know that every offence is one too many, and we work relentlessly alongside our policing partners and our partners in the rail industry to prevent this type of behaviour. We have officers across the rail network around the clock, at stations and on trains, to detect and deter crime.

"Our patrols are targeted and supported by statistics to ensure that our officers are exactly where they are most needed. When crimes do happen, we’re fortunate to work in a CCTV rich environment to help to bring offenders to justice.

"We encourage all passengers who see or experience crime to report it to us so we can take action. They can discreetly report crimes or concerns via text 61016 and we urge people to ensure they save the number in case they ever need it. In an emergency, always call 999."

Here is the full list of railway stations outside of London where passengers are at the highest risk of being pickpocketed, and the number of offences that took place last year. 

1. Birmingham New Street Railway Station - 62 offences

2. Leeds Railway Station - 37

3. Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station - 30

4. Reading Railway Station - 26

5. Luton Railway Station - 22

6. Brighton Railway Station - 17

7. Liverpool Central Railway Station - 15

8. Liverpool Lime Street Railway Station - 15

9. Bedford Railway Station - 12

10. Cambridge Railway Station - 12

11. Coventry Railway Station - 12

12. Manchester Victoria Railway Station - 12