A NORTH Wales county has been named amongst the UK regions with the lowest pickpocketing rates.

With only 10.95 per 100,000 reports over the past year, Flintshire has been recognised as being one of the safest regions across the UK.

A study carried out by security experts Get Licensed has revealed where in the UK people are most at risk of being pickpocketed. It also confirmed the areas of the UK that have seen the biggest and smallest increase in pickpocketing cases since 2021, and share advice on how to reduce the risk of being pickpocketed when in a public place.

With a total population of 155,300, Flintshire made it in the top 10 safest places according to the study, coming out in ninth place overall. The safest place, and area in which you're least likely to be pickpocketed, is north Kesteven in Lincolnshire.

Shahzad Ali, CEO and security expert at Get Licensed has shared the following 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. 

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“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.”