Teen boys in london

[monkey42]

Ds (14) wants to head into london during the day to mooch about with his mates. With all the mugging/motorbike thieves/ knife crime etc we are nervous. He is usually very sensible as are his friends. If they stick to public places do you think this is safe or a bad idea given that they don't usually go there - would a group of geeky teens be a target do you think??

It’s totally fine. The chances of a random attack on a group of boys is minescule. Mine tends to wander round carnaby street, Covent Garden, selfridges, soho and buy bubble tea and eat in five guys

Agree, they’ll be fine.

Not a serious risk in central London. The knife crimes that you hear about in the press are normally boys getting into fights with other boys known to them, not random stabbings of strangers. Moped crime is a thing apparently but still relatively rare, and the worst that’s likely to come of it would be a stolen phone: the whole point of moped crime is that you grab the goods and run. As long as they stick together, stick to touristy areas and take the normal precautions against pickpockets the risk of them running into trouble is minuscule.

Thank u
I'm all for balanced risk taking in baby steps and can see the request is some freedom in a contained way. DH is much more protective and we've had clashes before over similar issues....

There are several million people who live in London who haven't been mugged, knifed etc.
He'll be fine.

Probably a greater risk hanging out in your local park

In central London they should be fine - just be aware of pick pockets in the crowded areas. Also make sure they know a Plan B for getting home - if they are using public transport. Stations (especially tube ones) can randomly be shut for lots of reasons - including over crowding. If they have planned going from station A to B to get home make sure they also are aware of alternative routes.

I agree, I’m pretty sure that almost all the stabbings are gang related and not random attacks on strangers minding their own business. Obviously I can’t be 100% sure and that there will be exceptions but in 99% of cases where I have heard about a stabbing it’s in an area where it doesn’t surprise me particularly and where I know there’s a gang culture. They’ll be far out numbered by the eleventy billion foreign exchange students standing aimlessly in the middle of the street in central London so please don’t stress, if they stay in the main areas they should be fine

Good point money. London is full not only of streetwise Londoners but of clueless tourists. I spend lots of time pointing them in the right direction at tube stations (I’m a natural busybody). They’re normally perfectly fine as well.

I'd let my 14 year old go

Totally fine.

Definitely let him go. Your DH needs to chill a bit! Be pleased he's off screens and meeting up with mates. London is a much safer place than the press make out.