Russian Embassy claims London is dangerous

(MENAFN) The Russian Embassy in London has cautioned visitors about increasing crime rates in the UK capital, attributing the surge to economic difficulties and the ongoing migration crisis.

Citing data from local police, the embassy noted that crime levels have been steadily rising since Covid-19 restrictions were lifted. The number of theft-related incidents alone has jumped nearly 40% in the past three years, reaching 330,989 cases in 2024, compared to 282,074 in 2023 and 242,698 in 2022.

“With the ongoing ‘cost of living crisis’ and a massive influx of migrants, the UK is grappling with a surge in street crimes, ranging from theft to knife and acid attacks, which have become increasingly frequent,” the embassy stated on Friday. It warned that such attacks could cause severe injuries and, in some cases, fatalities, adding that pickpocketing and phone theft are particularly common in tourist-heavy areas of central London.

The UK has been facing economic hardships, with declining living standards and stagnant wages. A report by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) recently described Britain as neither a “high-wage” nor a “high-welfare” country, leaving millions struggling financially.

Illegal migration has also remained a challenge for the UK, despite repeated government pledges to address the issue. A recent study by Thames Water found that over half of illegal migrants entering the country are residing in London.

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