How to protect yourself better against knife-crime in London?

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I live in West London, have done so for 30 years, I'm no more concerned about being a victim of knife crime now than I was 10 years ago; I don't even know anyone who has been the victim of knife crime. There may be more instances of late, but relative to the number of people living in London there are not so many instances.

Ask yourself what steps you would take in any city to reduce the chances of being the victim of crime? Stay in prosperous areas, don't go to some places late at night, don't flourish expensive stuff ... London is no different from any similar city and possibly safer than many. I'm visiting Nashville and only this week there have been two car-jackings with the kids still in the cars! Even then I'm not unduly scared for my grandkids. Look at the overall probabilities - and don't leave the keys in the ignition!

Upvote:-1

Cost benefit analysis? I’m really unsure what the main concern is. The only thing I would advise other people/parents to do Is to act like the mum who held onto her baby instead of being held to ransom by moped thugs But please don’t be too brave- I was asked to get out of my car- no way - window up - drive on

Very different to being outside train station, in broad day light

Don’t challenge people with no morals

😪

Upvote:1

Multiple retailers offer cut and slash resistant apparel.

For example, here.

The cost and encumbrance of such apparel is generally not worth it. I would suggest doing a cost/benefit analysis on the situation in the UK to determine if it is worth it. Depending on the benefit you place on the minuscule probability that such protection would be necessary, you likely will come to the conclusion that protection of any kind specific towards knife attacks is not reasonable.

Upvote:1

It is quite hard to find detailed figures about homicides in London but the BBC has produced a review for 2018

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-46530919?

The end of the article is the most relevant from the point of view of statistics. Note that the rate of homicides per 100000 population is not particularly high compared with a decade ago. The age breakdown shows that people most at risk are youngish males, 20-29 the highest followed by 10-19. Male victims outnumber female at every age group apart from 70+ although that figure is not corrected for population size. Somewhat to my surprise the homicides are not concentrated in any particular geographical area. The figures do not differentiate between domestic violence and other types but it is believed that about a quarter might be domestic violence.

Upvote:2

To avoid knife crime in London, don't join or associate with a gang, particularly one that deals in drugs. I live in Ilford, East London, an area that is getting an unfortunate reputation as Britain's capital of knife murders. I am not in the slightest worried about being knifed.

At least our country is still generally gun-free.

Upvote:5

You seem to have covered off the key points already. The Met recommends making sure you always face oncoming traffic when walking on the pavement https://www.met.police.uk/crime-prevention/violence/stay-safe-london/ If you’ve not done so already you can sign up to the US ‘smart traveller enrollment program’ https://uk.usembassy.gov/message-for-u-s-citizens-improvements-safety-security-info/ to get security alerts on the go.

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