Is London now a scary place?

Lived there for about 5 years and it was fine, I really liked it. Now granted, I left about 6 years ago but could things really have degenerated that much in such a relatively short time period? I'm not so sure. What could possibly account for this?

No where in London have I ever seen open drug deals taking place like goes on in Dublin daily. Also constant police patrolling streets in twos. A rare sight in Dublin.

Not sure I would call London a scary place. I lived there till the age of 19, and return up to 3 times a year since, I have ocassionaly felt maybe this pub/street is a bit dodgy and went on my way, but have never felt unsafe. Yes I might feel a little bit more wary of date, be more aware of surroundings, and tell cousins/friends to txt when home if on a night out together, but would probably do the same here. Incidents have always happened there, not sure if its an increase, or maybe you just hear about them more due to increased news/social media. I too am yet to witness violent attacks when over. I have seen stupidity, heated arguements, verbal assults, but never violence, and hope I never do. Its a wonderful city, that am proud to be from.

Only in certain parts of the city

I find I see more scraps and general guff in Ireland than London but all of that is subjective. There have been four murders on the road that I live on, but I’ve never once felt unsafe here. That having been said, I wouldn’t like to be a 17 year old black kid living around here as things are mad on that front. The stories I hear in my boxing club are saddening and terrifying in equal measure.

Compared to the early-2000s violence crime is down, but it has been rising steadily. There are social and economic reasons behind this that are complex. Firstly the cops have been slashed to the bone by the government, they are a shadow of their former selves. There’s something ridiculous like 30% less police on our streets now. Secondly, youth and community programs have also been scrapped and funding cut, thus leading to young people getting up to no good. Lastly, housing is tiny and unaffordable, entire families are in one bed flats, so teenage kids are pushed out onto the streets. Parents are often working 70+ hours a week in jobs that don’t pay enough so kids are left to their own devices.

It’s not all that simple, but the above factors are big ones in my view.

It really depends on what you count as London. Certain places are, and have always been no go areas, some places are extremely nice indeed. I've never felt unsafe in the square mile.

Cromwells ghost is known to steal potatoes from the fanny packs of unwitting Irish tourists in London so ya spooky enough