If you’re a victim of crime, or you need help, you can go to the police. Contact them by dialling 999 in an emergency (if a crime is happening right now, or someone is in danger) or 101 if it’s not an emergency.

A smiling police officer in a black helmet with a silver star badge and a yellow high-visibility jacket marked "Metropolitan Police", with a red double-decker bus behind him

A Metropolitan Police officer at Piccadilly Circus.

Police officers in uniform look like the photos on the right (though it’s relatively unusual to see them on horseback).

Two Metropolitan Police officers in chequered caps and black protective vests standing by a stone wall, one of them holding a submachine gun

Armed police officers at Windsor Castle.

Most UK police do not carry guns, but there are specialist teams of firearms officers (like SWAT teams) that the regular police can call on when needed (such as for terrorist incidents). Because handguns are illegal in the UK it is very unusual for criminals to have guns. Officers armed with handguns and submachine guns are routinely deployed at airports and high-profile targets such as the Parliament buildings, so you might see them there - that doesn’t mean anything bad is happening.

Two police officers in dark jackets and chequered riding helmets on brown horses, in front of black and gold gates

Mounted police officers by Buckingham Palace.

Some police officers aren’t in uniform, they are in ‘plain clothes’. But a police officer will always be able to show you their ‘warrant card’ (their ID) which ought to contain:

  • photograph of the officer
  • name of the officer
  • identity number
  • Police hologram

If you’re not sure that they are a genuine police officer, call 101 and explain the situation, stating the officer’s name and warrant number. The phone operator and the police officer will understand that you are verifying their identity.

London’s police are called the “Metropolitan” police. The transport system also has its own police force, the British Transport Police.

London is a really safe city. Data here shows London as 19th-safest city in the world, ahead of Berlin, Rome, Paris, Venice, Milan, Toronto, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington DC.

But, like everywhere in the world, there is some crime. Here are some tips from the Met Police to keep yourself safe: Staying safe in London

A line of rickshaws decorated with pink lights, fake fur and Union Jack flags waiting on a shopping street at night, as a couple walk past

Rickshaws waiting for customers in Covent Garden.

“Rickshaws” (pedal cabs) are a problem at the moment in London. They won’t hurt you but they will rip you off (charge you far too much money). Don’t use them.

The UK has some expectations of people visiting from other countries too. While you’re in the UK, make sure you understand them: Understanding behaviours and expectations in the UK