Safety First

South Kensington and Surounding Environs

It's easy to become complacent about safety in London, I think. After all, British Bobbies don't even carry weapons, right?

(Actually, if you look closely, many appear to be wearing bullet proof vests these days, and they are armed to the teeth around Parliament, and some other government buildings.)

In general, we all feel that London is a very safe place to be. You will hear a taped message on the Tube about not leaving your belongings unattended. The Knight's Bridge Tube Station near Harrods does warn that "pick pockets" do operate in the area, but other than that, personal safety is not the issue that it is in other European countries. A lingering stare, common in France and Italy, is rarely found here. You can be the object of unwanted attention at pubs and bars, but in my limited experience, the UK is a much more "civilized" place.

The Tube and the streets are always busy at least until 10 or 11 PM, and while it's always best to travel in groups, I did make trips to the West End by myself, without fear or problem. The VU guys with whom we traveled were always great companions, when we preferred a late night escort!