Street crime
Mobile phone thefts are just one kind of street crime
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Street crime is a terms widely used to describe a range of crimes such as:
- anti-social behaviour
- pick-pocketing
- alcohol and drug-related crime
- curb crawlers and street prostitution
- muggings
- gang fighting
- and violent on-street theft
- intimidation and threats.
Both individual people and communities are affected by street crime. It can ruin people's quality of life and destroy an area's reputation.
How street crime can affect you
Everyone reacts to crime differently. You might feel completely numb and unaffected after becoming a victim of street crime. Or you could be very afraid and in shock. You may even have physical affects such as shaking or crying. You might feel very angry towards the person who did this to you. Or you may be angry with yourself for having put yourself in a situation where a crime like this could happen.
Whatever the circumstances, you may now feel extremly wary with a greater sense of danger. You could be afraid that it will happen again and don't want to go outside or to public places. Being a victim of street crime can make you and the people around you feel very unsafe and create a climate of fear for the community.
If you've had things stolen during a street crime that's likely to affect you too. As well as the obvious issues such as financial problems because of stolen cash or valuables, you can suffer emotional effects. A stolen handbag or wallet can contain irreplaceable photographs or mementos that can take away your memories. Stolen papers and keys can put you at risk of other problems such as burglary, stalking or identity theft. We've put together a checklist to help you identify what steps you can take to help reduce the risk of more problems after a theft.
We can help
Victim Support is the independent national charity for people affected by crime. Our services are confidential, free and available to everyone. We help thousands of victims of street crime every year. Our volunteers are specially trained to give you information, practical help and emotional support. If you do decide to report a street crime to the police, we can go to the police or to court with you. We can explain how the criminal justice system works help you to apply for compensation.
If you've been injured we can advise you about seeking medical attention. If you can't work because of the affects of a crime, we can give you advice on dealing with your employer and getting benefits (you can also get information about benefits from your local benefits office or your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
If you have to go to court as a witness in relation to the crime, our Witness Service is there to support you too. If you need support that we can't provide, we'll put you in touch with other people who can help.
Some practical ideas for dealing with street crime
- Stick to well known or popular routes when going home late at night.
- Avoid quiet short cuts, alleyways, subways and railway bridges or places, such as narrow pathways, where you could be ambushed.
- Start a Neighbourhood Watch scheme
- Only travel with licensed taxi firms
- Use expensive gadgets such as mobile phones and MP3 players carefully so as not to advertise the fact that you have valuables to steal
- If you are using public transport late at night stick to busy train carriages or sit downstairs or near the front of the bus where the driver can see you.
- Get involved in local community groups to help drive out crime in your local area.
- Register your mobile or bike with the police. This may help you to get them back if they are stolen.
Get in touch: we can help
Most people are referred to us by the police when they report a crime. But anyone can contact us directly if they want to.
You can also email or call the Victim Supportline on 0845 30 30 900 for support and information.