NEW research has revealed pickpocketing rates in Barrow have increased by 400 per cent since 2021.

The rise is one of the most significant in the country, according to research carried out by security experts, Get Licensed.

Barrow and the Eden District in Cumbria both saw the number of recorded ‘theft from person’ crimes increase by 400 per cent.

Data shows the number of recorded incidents increased from three crimes in 2021 to 15 crimes in Barrow in 2024.

Five local authorities in London ranked in the top 10 across the country for an increase in pickpocketing crimes over the last three years.

Westminster ranked first overall having seen an increase from 3,466 incidents in 2021 to 28,155 in 2024 (712 per cent).

Kensington and Chelsea ranked third in the list having seen an increase from 524 theft from a person offences in 2021 to 2,757 in 2024 (426 per cent).

A Cumbria police spokesperson said: “The figures in Barrow are relatively low when compared to other areas across the country.

“However, there has been an increase from three to fifteen incidents in the last three years.

“We know the theft of personal items can be upsetting and we would encourage people to take every step were possible to secure and conceal valuable items whilst out and about.

“Criminals are often opportunists and target people whilst they are distracted, so ensure if you have valuable items on show that you a vigilant to people around you.”

More advice can be found here - Don’t let them pocket it | Cumbria Police

North West Leicestershire, Cornwall, Lambeth, City of London and Greenwich made up the remaining places.

Shahzad Ali, CEO and security expert at Get Licensed, shared the following advice about protecting your belongings from pickpockets.

He said: Last year, over 100,000 reports of theft-from-the-person were filed, highlighting the sheer scale of the epidemic in the UK.

"Therefore, it’s crucial that people across the country know how to keep themselves and their belongings safe from pickpockets. 

“The type of bag you use, especially in high-risk areas, can determine your own risk level. It’s best to use a zip-up bag that you can wear across your body to reduce the chances of someone snatching it from your shoulder.

"If you are carrying more, such as a backpack, keep important belongings, such as a wallet, phone and keys, in a smaller cross-body bag to keep them closer to you. 

“Having your phone in your hand or back pocket can make you more of a target to pickpockets. Avoid using your phone in busy places and keep it in your smaller bag when not in use.

"In today’s day and age, losing your phone is a big deal, risking more than just the device itself. Phones house a lot of personal information, such as contact, bank and private details.

“Finally, when out and about you must be careful of where you place your bags. If you’re taking a seat, place your bag by your feet rather than on the back of your chair.

"If you’re in a busy place, it can be advisable to place your foot through one of your bag’s straps for extra security, reducing the risk of someone being able to snatch it when walking past.”