Pick-pockets love crowds so be careful in congested places like the Underground during rush hour. Professional gangs of pick-pockets also work the major shopping areas such as Oxford Street. However if you take sensible care you are unlikely to have any problems. Bear in mind that pick-pockets are opportunists and as such only steal easily accessed, unguarded money and property. Don't take wads of money out with you and don't keep your wallet in your back pocket where it can be lifted very easily. Never leave bags or other property unattended.
Some would say that the price of parking in London is daylight robbery too but that's another story! If you're driving and you stop at the traffic lights, watch out for those blokes who slap a dirty wet cloth on your nice clean windscreen and then demand a heap of money.
Speaking of daylight robbery, see also TAXIS AND TAXI TOUTS!
You may also encounter gypsies selling lucky heather in the street and they too can be quite forceful. Those who are susceptible to superstition and intimidation could find this quite an upsetting experience. The word is that if you don't buy they'll put a gypsy curse on you. If you do buy you may have some good luck. Now I'm not very superstitious but I did once buy some on the way to a job interview, just to avoid more hassle. I was quite cynical when the old gypsy woman who sold me the sprig told me that I would surely get the job and I was absolutely amazed when I actually did! Spooky!
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